Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Lieutenant General

Born in 1986.

Education
2007: Graduated from the Odesa Military Institute of Infantry
2022: Military Diplomatic Academy
2024: Kyiv Mohyla Academy Business School

Career
After completing the Airborne Forces Faculty at the Odesa Institute of Infantry, began service within the special units of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

After the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2014, carried out combat and special tasks to defend Ukraine. Participated in battles against Russian invaders in eastern Ukraine and in special missions in occupied territories, including Crimea. Wounded three times in battles for Ukraine.

2018–2020: Engaged in operational intelligence activities, carried out special secret missions to protect Ukraine’s interests. 2020: Appointed Deputy Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
August 5, 2020, appointed Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
2022: Led the Committee on Intelligence under the President of Ukraine
January 2, 2026, appointed Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Awards
Hero of Ukraine with the Gold Star, 2024
Order of Courage (First, Second, and Third Classes)
Medals of the SBU/Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine and of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for significant contributions to defending the Ukrainian state and repelling Russian aggression
Order of Merit (Poland)
Officer’s Cross, 2025
Decorations from other foreign states, notably Moldova, the Czech Republic, and Sudan
Honorary Doctor (Doctor Honoris Causa) of the Kyiv School of Economics, 2024