Zelenskyy and Budanov nearly fell out weeks ago
Kyrylo Budanov (Photo: t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
Relations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov have been strained, with tensions nearly leading to a rupture several weeks ago, RBC-Ukraine reported, citing sources on June 16.
However, the publication said the two later had "a candid conversation" about how to work together constructively going forward, after which tensions eased.
It also noted that, although not all of its sources were convinced the apparent truce would prove durable, Budanov's position within the Presidential Office is unlikely to face any immediate threat.
A source in Ukraine's senior leadership told the outlet that while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kyrylo Budanov had not fully resolved all outstanding issues, "things have become much better between them."
Another source, however, said the scale of the problems between Zelenskyy and Budanov had been exaggerated. According to the source, the president and the head of the Presidential Office "have different temperaments," and "both had to make compromises." As a result, they managed to establish "a normal working format." A source close to the presidency described relations between Zelenskyy and Budanov as "completely normal."
On Jan. 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed that Budanov, then head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, lead the Presidential Office. Budanov accepted the offer.
On Jan. 5, Zelenskyy appointed him to Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
Budanov also joined Ukraine's delegation for trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi.
Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko told NV that Budanov's approval ratings have risen since he took over the Presidential Office, aided by his involvement in negotiations with Russia. At the same time, Fesenko said the trust ratings of Budanov and Zelenskyy are not currently competing with one another.
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