In the U.S., they spoke of a “tectonic shift” in Ukraine’s political system

The appointment of Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, as the new head of the Office of the President has become a “tectonic shift” for the country’s political system.

This was reported by the U.S. outlet Politico.

Budanov’s key task in the new role will be to bridge the gap that has emerged between the president, parliament, and civil society after a major corruption scandal in Ukraine. Zelensky’s former chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, failed to cope with this task and was forced to resign.

“Budanov will need all the political savvy he used to outmaneuver Yermak,” said journalist Jamie Dettmer.

If Ukraine accepts a U.S.-imposed peace plan, the piece notes, Budanov will have to help Zelensky persuade Ukrainians of the “advisability” of that step. Another important task for him will be to manage the “turbulent party-political situation in Ukraine” after the corruption scandal, the article concludes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has explained the кадровые (personnel) reshuffle by pointing to a political crisis that swept the country last year. Russian war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny said that Budanov’s appointment to the new post will not contribute to a quick end to the conflict in Ukraine.