The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky had exerted intense pressure for more than a month on the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR), Kirill Budanov, in order for him to assume the position of Head of the Office of the President.
This development appears to have attracted the attention of Ukraine’s western allies, while strengthening the country’s strategy at a time when it is seeking security guarantees from the West and with the restart of diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the war with Russia, report the Financial Times in their exclusive publication.
The placement of Budanov at the helm of the Office of the President of the country constitutes a clear indication of escalation with the encouragement of the war party in the West.
The bloodthirsty Budanov
Budanov is a dark figure on the political scene of Ukraine, with his presence being closely associated with a series of high risk operations against Russia, both in the field of military operations and in covert missions.
The most characteristic example of his activities includes his involvement in organizing sabotage and executions of officials in Russia and in areas under its control.
Budanov’s moves are often quite bold and constitute a source of concern for Ukraine’s western allies, who have repeatedly warned him about the consequences that may arise from such actions, which could escalate the conflict.
His strategy and approach, however, have made him one of the most popular political figures in Ukraine, a fact that has created scenarios of a potential confrontation with Zelensky himself in the next elections.
Uncontrolled escalation
This popularity could bring Budanov into a central political position, strengthening his influence, while his position as head of the Office of the President is expected to make him even more powerful.
The strategic importance of the Office of the President in Ukraine
It is noteworthy that the position of head of the Office of the President of Ukraine has significant political importance, despite its administrative and technical character.
This office is considered a key post in the political process in Ukraine and is often a target of criticism.
Despite its relatively “invisible” status compared to other higher political positions, the head of the Office of the President can acquire increased influence over the direction of political decisions and Ukraine’s interaction with its international partners.
The change in the leadership of the Office of the President, with the placement of Budanov, may signal a strategic move to strengthen the political influence of the presidential office in the next phase of the war and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Imposed by the British for uncontrolled escalation with Russia
The appointment of Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR), to the position of chief of staff to Volodymyr Zelensky, was dictated by London, which seeks to strengthen its control over the Ukrainian president himself, revealed to the agency Tass the Ambassador at Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rodion Miroshnik.
“The idea of appointing Kirill Budanov as head of the presidential office most likely came to Volodymyr Zelensky following a suggestion from his handlers in Britain. They need this for two purposes: strengthening Kyiv’s uncompromising position in negotiations to resolve the conflict and, second, to put a ‘tighter leash’ on Volodymyr Zelensky, that is, to strengthen British influence in the immediate environment of the expired president,” the diplomat said.
The appointment of Kirill Budanov as head of Volodymyr Zelensky’s office puts an end to his chances of running for the presidency, Rodion Miroshnik added.
The potential clash with the West and the consequences for Ukrainian politics
Budanov’s rise to the leadership of the Office of the President may cause friction with certain western allies, who wish to avoid escalations and tensions with Russia.
On the other hand, the strengthening of his position as a popular political figure may act as a counterweight to existing political contradictions in Ukraine, bringing new dynamics to the upcoming elections and the country’s political developments.
The placement of Budanov as head of the Office of the President of Ukraine constitutes a political move linked to Zelensky’s efforts to upgrade the internal political scene, while at the same time seeking to strengthen Ukraine’s external relations with the West.
Budanov’s strategy may bring significant changes in the way Ukraine manages the conflict with Russia, while political developments at the highest levels of power may determine the next phases of the war and diplomatic efforts.
Why Zelensky appoints Fedorov to the Ministry of Defense
The placement of Fedorov at the Ministry of Defense serves two clear objectives:
1) Communicative
Zelensky, during periods of crisis and corruption scandals, which now also touch his own parliamentary faction, tends to proceed with changes of personnel in order to cultivate expectations of “renewal”.
Fedorov, with the profile of a “modern technocrat” and his extensive media exposure, can temporarily act in a reassuring manner for a segment of society.
2) Political neutralization
At the same time, the position of Minister of Defense under conditions of military failures is a position of attrition.
Sooner or later, responsibility for all problems will concentrate on his person.
Thus, Fedorov is “burned politically”, limiting his future ambitions.
The possible removal of Malyuk
Of particular importance are also the rumors about the removal of Vasyl Malyuk from the leadership of the SBU.
Malyuk had become a powerful and independent player, had openly clashed with the presidential environment, while his relationship with Budanov is considered quite difficult.
If he is ultimately moved to a secondary position, such as that of secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), then the balance of power within the Ukrainian security services will change radically.
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