The Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, addressed citizens on Ukrainian Political Prisoner Day on January 12. He remembered all those imprisoned for their love of Ukraine, as well as those who died in Russian captivity under various regimes.
President Zelenskyy stated that NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov was again in contact with American partners. Dialogue with the US is a strategic task for Ukraine and must be 100% constructive.
President Zelenskyy heard a report from the Head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, discussing sanctions policy, the diplomatic track, and internal tasks. Emphasis was placed on maintaining and strengthening pressure on Russia.
The head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, held a meeting with the leadership of the General Staff and law enforcement agencies. Corruption in the TCC system and desertion in the army were discussed, and decisions are being prepared.
The Head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, discussed with UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, mechanisms for implementing security guarantees. Joint actions are being prepared to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.
President Zelenskyy made changes to the composition of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Deputy Minister of Defense Boyev, Head of the OP Budanov, and Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Ivashchenko were included, while former head of the State Border Guard Service Deyneko was removed.
The Ukrainian delegation and the President of Ukraine are ready to travel to the US to continue negotiations on achieving a just peace. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced progress after talks in Paris.
The Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, reported on fruitful negotiations in Paris with national security advisors and the US delegation regarding security guarantees. He also met with the head of French military intelligence, General Jacques Langlade de Montgros.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov announced the third meeting with the American side in Paris, where key elements of the basic framework for ending the war were substantively discussed. Representatives of Ukraine and the USA took part in the negotiations, focusing on possible formats for further contacts at the leadership level.
President Zelenskyy stated that information policy is not a priority for Kyrylo Budanov. He also mentioned that there is no deputy for economic affairs yet, but Oksana Markarova and Chrystia Freeland will join the Presidential Office as advisors to work on Ukraine's recovery, economic issues, and investments in particular.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not disclosing details on whether Dmytro Kuleba could be appointed to a new position. The head of state commented on the meeting with the former Foreign Minister to journalists.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia has suspended prisoner exchanges to pressure Ukraine. Budanov and Umerov will continue to deal with exchanges, despite Russia hindering the process.
Ukrainian negotiators, led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, held consultations in Paris with national security advisors from France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey, with the participation of the US, NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council. The parameters of security guarantees, deterring Russian aggression, and the logic of further steps in the peace process were discussed.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the third session of negotiations in two days with US representatives in France. The most difficult issues regarding ending the war will be discussed, including the Zaporizhzhia NPP and territories, as well as formats for leaders' meetings.
The head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, announced that concrete results had been achieved at the negotiations in Paris regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. Details remain non-public, but work is ongoing, and Ukrainian interests will be protected.
After the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, the Ukrainian delegation continued discussing the diplomatic path to end the war with the US President's team. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked America for its readiness to provide a backstop in all areas.
A resident of Shebekino, Belgorod region, emotionally reacts to the appointment of Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov as head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. She calls him an "inhuman" and a "fascist," fearing negative consequences for the Kremlin regime.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Élysée Palace in Paris for the summit of Ukraine's allies. He will hold talks with Emmanuel Macron, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
President Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 20/2026, which introduced Kyrylo Budanov to the National Security and Defense Council as the Head of the President's Office. At the same time, O. Ivashchenko was removed from the Council.
Political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko believes that the personnel changes initiated by President Zelenskyy are aimed at renewing power, strengthening the defense sector, and demonstrating his key role. The appointments of Budanov and Fedorov are aimed at forming a new defense strategy and technologizing production.
From January 5 to 11, 2026, a unique astrological configuration intensifies tensions in global processes, bringing issues of power and strategic decisions to the forefront. Astrologer Ksenia Bazylenko said that this period will be a turning point for Capricorns, and will also test leaders for maturity and competence.
Head of the SBU Vasyl Malyuk submitted his resignation at Zelenskyy's request. General Yevhen Khmara is likely to be appointed as acting head of the SBU.
Serhiy Deineko, head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, has been appointed advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko. After rehabilitation, he will lead a combat unit of the State Border Guard Service.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a "major reboot" of the state system, including rotations of heads of the security, defense, and law enforcement sectors. The replacement of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, is not foreseen.
Personnel changes are ongoing in Ukraine at the level of regional administrations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced consultations regarding the appointment of new heads in Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Ternopil, and Chernivtsi regions.
President Zelenskyy proposed Mykhailo Fedorov for the post of Minister of Defense to develop drone technologies. Kyrylo Budanov will head the Presidential Office, taking one of the most influential positions in the country.
People's Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak announced the probable replacement of the head of the SBU, noting that Vasyl Malyuk may be offered another vacant position. According to him, this decision looks strange, and the potential candidate for replacement has not yet been confirmed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees appointing Kyrylo Budanov as Head of the Presidential Office. Oleh Ivashchenko headed the Main Intelligence Directorate.
Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov will head the Presidential Office to strengthen defense and contacts with the United States. This appointment moves one of Ukraine's most prominent generals into a political role.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is appointing Oleh Ivashchenko to a position in Ukraine's military intelligence. This happened after Kyrylo Budanov agreed to head the Presidential Office.
