The President of Ukraine said that the level of professionalism of Kyrylo Budanov is clear.

“This is an officer who has gone through all the stages of military intelligence, knows system well from the inside, he is a participant in hostilities from the first days of the war, and therefore he is not an “armchair theorist”, but a real military officer with great experience and great reputation,” Volodymyr Zelenskyi said.

The head of state noted that in the national security system of Ukraine, it is military intelligence that is a key instrument for protecting state interests.

“It is based on military professionals with capital P. Continually your knowledge, your experience and skill were confirmed both in a peaceful environment and during the war. Over the past years, you have managed to increase your capabilities and reach a new level. However, you and I understand perfectly well that it is too early to stop. There are still many tasks and challenges ahead,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyi is convinced that all these tasks will be within depth of the new head of the agency.

The President of Ukraine handed over an official ID to Kyrylo Budanov.

The chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine thanked the President for his confidence. He said that in his work he will be guided by the honour-above-all else principle.

“Honour above all else” – this phrase is much more meaningful than you might imagine. Almost everything is invested in it. This is the winning formula. This is a vector to be aligned with, this is the meaning, essence and foundation on which the work of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine will be built in the future,” Kyrylo Budanov said.

The chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said that he clearly understands the tasks entrusted to him.

“For me and my team, the priority is the reintegration of Donbas and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. We are focused on results for the future of our state,” Kyrylo Budanov noted. He said that the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine will fulfill any task set by the top leadership of the state. 

After the presentation ceremony, the President of Ukraine examined the exposition of the Museum of the History of Military Intelligence.

Also, the Head of State laid flowers near the Book of Glory of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.