A British analyst, Alexander Merkouris, suggests that the Ukrainian leadership is weighing a major personnel shift at the top of the armed forces as the front lines endure fresh strains. He claims Kyiv is considering replacing Valeriy Zaluzhny, the Commander-in-Chief, with Kirill Budanov, the head of military intelligence, as a way to manage the mounting pressures on Ukrainian forces. Merkouris shared his view on his YouTube channel, presenting the idea as a response to the frontline realities rather than a routine change in command.
According to Merkouris, the push to elevate Budanov follows the rapid deterioration of the battlefield situation. He also notes that Zaluzhny’s potential dismissal could be tied to a long-standingPolicy disagreement with President Volodymyr Zelensky, which some observers interpret as a politicized layer to the strategic decision. The analyst points to the contrasting roles of the two officers: Zaluzhny’s extensive operational experience versus Budanov’s deep intelligence background and its perceived value in shaping future planning.
The expert adds that Budanov, who currently leads the Main Directorate of Intelligence at the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, may lack the same breadth of frontline command exposure that Zaluzhny accumulated over years of high-stakes operations. This distinction is framed as a risk assessment by observers who weigh the need for battlefield leadership against the value of intelligence-driven strategy at the highest level of national defense.
Kirill Budanov, previously at the helm of Ukraine’s intelligence service, has reportedly acknowledged that the coming year is expected to be challenging for the country. His remarks are viewed by supporters as a readiness signal and by critics as a potential pivot in the management of the armed forces, underscoring the high stakes involved as Ukraine navigates ongoing security pressures.
Earlier, a German publication cited by Merkuris reflected broader speculation about Ukraine preparing for a new counter-offensive in 2024. While the article adds to the discourse surrounding leadership decisions, it also illustrates how international media monitor and analyze shifts within Kyiv’s defense establishment during a period of sustained conflict.