Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday that he would appoint Oleh Ivashchenko to the post of head of military intelligence, as part of a reshuffle at the top of the country's security apparatus, as the war with Russia enters its fourth year.
Oleh Ivashchenko, who currently heads Ukraine's foreign intelligence service, is to succeed Kyrylo BudanovHe will leave his post to become the new chief of staff to the Ukrainian president, according to Zelensky's statement.
This decision marks a significant shift in the security power structure in Kyiv. Ivashchenko is considered a senior, experienced intelligence official who has played a key role in coordinating foreign intelligence activities since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion in 2022. His appointment comes amid increased military and diplomatic pressure as Ukraine seeks to bolster its intelligence-gathering and counter-espionage capabilities.
Kyrylo Budanov, a key figure in Ukrainian military intelligence since the beginning of the conflict, became a close and direct collaborator of Zelensky in the presidential office. His transfer to head the presidential cabinet was seen as a move to strengthen coordination between the security services and the political leadership at a time when strategic decisions were crucial for the country's future.
No specific date has been given for Ivashchenko's official assumption of duties, but the announcement is part of a series of adjustments within Ukrainian institutions, as Kyiv continues its efforts to resist Russian aggression and maintain the support of its Western allies.
