Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has named Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), as his new chief of staff. Budanov replaces Andrii Yermak, who resigned last year after anti-corruption police raided his home. 

“Kyrylo Budanov has been appointed Head of the Office of the President,” a statement from Zelensky’s office released on Friday said. “Kyrylo’s experience and strength are enough to steer the Office’s work toward security matters and the negotiation process exactly as needed.”

Budanov was an officer during the Ukrainian Civil War, which began in 2014. He was injured several times during the conflict and received treatment at a US military hospital. Budanov was part of a military unit that received training from the CIA. 

In 2023, Budanov claimed that Russia poisoned his wife in an attempt to assassinate him. He said his wife underwent treatment for heavy metals. 

Budanov replaced Yermak, who was leading Ukraine’s delegation in talks with the US aimed at ending the war. Budanov’s diplomatic role may create additional challenges as Russia has issued an arrest warrant for his role in an attack on the Kirtch Bridge. 

Zelensky’s new chief of staff is also a potential political rival. Polls have placed Budanov third in a potential and projected he would come out ahead in a runoff with Zelensky.