Ukraine’s former head of defence intelligence Kyrylo Budanov to become chief of staff following Andriy Yermak resignation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shed light on security guarantees under discussion with the U.S. after a meeting with President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as the new head of his office, after his previous top aide resigned in November over a corruption scandal.

President Donald Trump said he will call the final shots on any Ukraine-Russia peace deal ahead of a reported meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a series of high-level meetings are scheduled to take place in early January to discuss the latest on the ground, bolster support and coordinate strategy in ongoing peace efforts.

"It’s very close," Trump said of the peace deal, acknowledging that negotiations might not produce results. "It’s possible it doesn’t happen."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promoted the head of the country’s military intelligence agency to serve as his new chief of staff on Friday — filling a vacancy left by an alleged $100 million corruption scandal.

Proposed appointment comes as President Zelenskyy names intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of presidential office.