Vitaliy Portnikov has reported that General Kyrylo Budanov, the current head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, will become the new Head of the President's Office of Ukraine, replacing Andriy Yermak.
Portnikov notes that media attention to this appointment is largely due to Yermak's significant political and structural influence during his tenure, as he became a favorite of President Zelenskyy and exerted influence over parliament, the government, and other state bodies.
He emphasized that Yermak's influence stemmed not just from his position but from his unique relationship with Zelenskyy, being able to anticipate the president's wishes. Whether Budanov will have similar influence is uncertain, as the political tools and circumstances have changed.
Today, the Ukrainian parliament and government have greater autonomy, and Western allies demand transparency in state institutions. Budanov’s appointment could shift the President’s Office towards a more military-oriented structure given his background.
This raises questions about the interaction between the President’s Office and the Armed Forces, and whether new challenges will arise. Portnikov also highlighted that a military head could mean running the country more as a fortress than as a civilian state in times of ongoing war.
Portnikov suggests Budanov’s appointment might also be seen as an attempt by Zelenskyy to sideline a potential presidential rival, but with elections on hold due to martial law and war, political favorites may change in the postwar period depending on public sentiment.
