Zelenskyy names spy chief to head presidential administration in big shake-up

Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy's new top adviser. File picture: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/AP

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy named Ukraine's defence spy chief as his top adviser on Friday, placing a popular military leader at the heart of decision-making as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its defences against Russia and its hand in US-backed peace talks.

The appointment of Kyrylo Budanov, a decorated war veteran widely respected by Ukrainians, as presidential chief of staff marks a significant shift for a position traditionally occupied by a civilian mainly focused on domestic politics.