Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has named spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff, just over a month after his previous top aide resigned amid a corruption row.
"At this time, Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues," Zelensky said in a post on social media, publishing a photo of his meeting with Budanov in Kyiv.
Budanov, 39, has until now led the Hur military intelligence, which has claimed a number of highly-effective strikes against Russia.
His predecessor, Andriy Yermak, wielded enormous political influence throughout Russia's full-scale invasion launched in 2022. He also led Ukraine's negotiating team in crucial talks with the US aimed at ending the war.
In Friday's post on social media, Zelensky wrote: "At this time, Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the defence and security forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of negotiations.
