“He performed a positive function, at least at the start of his tenure: he helped Zelenskyy ease pressure around himself and the presidential office,” Fesenko said.
He added that Budanov’s appointment, along with other decisions such as naming Mykhailo Fedorov defense minister, was meant to showcase a refreshed team and a new style of leadership.
Fesenko also said Zelenskyy and Budanov “keep their distance,” which has led many to see Budanov as a relatively independent political actor.
“There are a lot of rumors; I’ve heard them in recent days, especially against the backdrop of the case involving [Budanov’s predecessor] Andriy Yermak,” the expert said.
“There are many rumors that they allegedly want to send
Budanov to lead the Foreign Intelligence Service, that they might offer him
another post.”