KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed the head of the country’s military intelligence as his new chief of staff. In announcing the appointment of Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy said Ukraine must focus on security issues, the development of its defense and security forces, and peace talks — areas that are overseen by the office of the president. Zelenskyy had dismissed his previous chief of staff Andrii Yermak amid an investigation into alleged corruption in the energy sector. Budanov, 39, is one of the country’s most recognizable and popular wartime figures. He has led Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, known by its acronym GUR, since 2020.
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