Ukraine’s military intelligence gets new leader as Ivashchenko steps in for Budanov
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Oleh Ivashchenko (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on the evening of Friday, January 2, that Oleh Ivashchenko will become the new head of the Defense Intelligence, according to Zelenskyy’s statement on Telegram.
"From today, Oleh Ivashchenko will continue serving our state and carrying out tasks to limit Russia’s military capabilities at the positions of Ukraine’s military intelligence," the country’s leader stated.
What is known about Ivashchenko
Oleh Ivanovych Ivashchenko holds the rank of lieutenant general. He was born on September 9, 1969. He graduated from the Kyiv Higher Combined Arms Command School, the National Defense University of Ukraine, the University of Economics and Law, and the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School.
From 2017 to 2019, he served as First Deputy Chief of the Defense Intelligence (HUR) and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for intelligence. Since 2021, he has also served as an aide to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In March 2022, Ivashchenko was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, 3rd class, for his participation in combat operations. He is also a recipient of the Order of Danylo Halytskyi.
On March 26, 2024, the Ukrainian president appointed Ivashchenko as head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. He is also a member of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the National Security and Defense Council.
Background
Earlier, on January 2, Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed that Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence, take over as head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
The president emphasized that Budanov has specialized experience in these areas and sufficient capability to achieve results. Presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn noted that all formal procedures for appointing a new head of the Office are currently underway.
Later, Budanov confirmed that he had accepted Zelenskyy’s offer to lead the Office of the President. He stated that he sees the position as another milestone of responsibility to the country.
