Budanov Joins Ukraine’s National Security Council as Zelenskyy Reshuffles Top Security Officials

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made significant changes to Ukraine’s security leadership, announcing a broad reshuffle on January 5, 2026. Among the key moves, Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the President’s Office, joined the National Security and Defense Council (RNBO), while multiple senior officials within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) were replaced in a coordinated restructuring of the country’s internal security command.

The changes affected nearly every senior position in the SBU’s leadership, including deputy heads and department chiefs.

Key changes in security leadership

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the President’s Office, joins the National Security and Defense Council (RNBO).

Oleksandr Poklad takes over as First Deputy Head of the SBU, replacing Serhiy Andrushchenko, who was also dismissed as Head of the Anti-Terrorism Center.

Dmytro Klymynyk assumes the role of Deputy Head of the SBU and leads the Anti-Terrorism Center, succeeding Andrushchenko in both positions.

Andriy Tupikov is appointed Deputy Head of the SBU, shortly after being removed as Head of the Counterintelligence Department.

Oleh Dubrovin is dismissed as Head of the Military Counterintelligence Department; no successor has been named.

Serhiy Naumyuk and Oleksandr Poklad exit their previous posts as Deputy Heads of the SBU.

Previously, it was reported that Vasyl Maliuk has officially stepped down as head of SBU after serving in the role since July 2022, according to SBU official Telegram channel.

Despite his resignation, Maliuk will remain within the SBU structure, taking charge of a newly created unit focused on asymmetric operations against Russia.

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