- January 4, 2026
- 3:48 pm
- Ukraine
The appointment of Kyrylo Budanov as the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine continues to resonate — both within the country and beyond its borders. Amid Russia’s sharp reaction, the restrained-positive assessment from the United States, and the analysis of the Western press, the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Asman made a public address, congratulating Budanov on assuming the position and his 40th birthday.
Public Congratulations and Religious Context
In his address on January 4, 2025, Moshe Asman noted the symbolic significance of the age of forty, referring to Kabbalah and Jewish sacred texts. According to him, this is the age of true understanding of life, inner maturity, and awareness of one’s mission.
“Congratulations to the esteemed Kyrylo Oleksiyovych Budanov on his 40th birthday and his new very important position for Ukraine!
In Kabbalah and our holy books, it is said that forty years is the age of true understanding of life, deep wisdom, and inner maturity. It is a time when a person truly realizes their mission and calling!
Kyrylo Oleksiyovych is a wise and strong person, endowed with many gifts. Right now, a new stage has begun in his life: a new spiritual and professional rise.
On behalf of my family and the Jewish community of Ukraine, I wish him good health, joy, and Victory!
May the Almighty always be with him and guide him on the right path and help him successfully fulfill all the tasks entrusted to him!
Glory to Ukraine!”
The Rabbi emphasized that a new stage — spiritual and professional — is beginning for Kyrylo Budanov. He called him a wise and strong person, endowed with many gifts, and expressed confidence that in his new position, he will fulfill his calling in the interests of the state.
It was specifically emphasized that the words of support were spoken on behalf of the Jewish community of Ukraine, not just personally from the Rabbi. The address concluded with the phrase “Glory to Ukraine!”, which became a direct expression of civic and state solidarity in wartime conditions.
Budanov’s Appointment and Russia’s Reaction
The appointment of Kyrylo Budanov as the head of the Office of the President became one of the most discussed personnel decisions at the beginning of 2026. In Russia, it caused an open negative reaction and a wave of propaganda statements.
Russian media and officials perceived this decision as a threat, as Budanov has been viewed by Moscow over the past years as one of the key architects of Ukraine’s intelligence and defense strategy. In pro-Kremlin rhetoric, he has repeatedly been called an “enemy” and even a “terrorist,” which only underscores the level of irritation and concern.
Ukrainian experts note that such a reaction from Russia is an indirect confirmation of Budanov’s significance and his role in the national security system.
The Position of the USA and Western Assessment
Unlike the Russian reaction, in the USA and among Western allies, Budanov’s appointment was perceived much more calmly. According to experts, in Washington, he is seen as an understandable and predictable partner, having experience in direct interaction with American and European intelligence services.
Western sources emphasize that Budanov’s figure is well known to Ukraine’s allies, and his professional reputation is unquestionable. This makes the appointment a signal of maintaining the course for close coordination with partners in the field of security and defense.
What Financial Times Writes
The British publication Financial Times, analyzing President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s decision, notes that this is not a simple personnel rotation.
According to FT, the position of the head of the Office of the President in Ukraine is formally administrative, but in fact, it has significant political influence. The appointment of a person with an intelligence and military background reflects the priorities of wartime — focusing on security, strategic planning, and interaction with allies.
The publication also notes that Budanov has long been associated with “field” work, and his transition to the political-administrative plane signifies the strengthening of the role of a forceful and analytical approach at the center of decision-making.
Religious Gesture as a Public Signal
Against this backdrop, the congratulations of the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine acquire special significance. In wartime conditions and constant pressure on state institutions, the words of spiritual leaders are perceived as a marker of trust and public support.
The use of religious language — maturity, mission, and responsibility — emphasizes the expectation of balanced and conscious decisions, rather than emotional steps. This complements the political and international context of the appointment with an ethical dimension.
Kyrylo Budanov
Kyrylo Oleksiyovych Budanov is a Ukrainian military and state figure, lieutenant general. Born on January 4, 1986.
Since 2020, he has headed the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR MO). During the full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine, he became one of the most public and influential figures in the field of national security. Under his leadership, Ukrainian military intelligence conducted a number of operations that significantly influenced the course of the war, including actions beyond the front line.
Budanov is known as a proponent of an active strategy of deterring Russia, as well as one of the key architects of the interaction of Ukrainian intelligence services with partners from the USA and European countries. He regularly participated in closed and public briefings for Ukraine’s allies.
Moshe Asman’s congratulations to Kyrylo Budanov became not just a personal gesture, but part of a broader picture. Against the backdrop of panic in Russia, restrained approval from the USA, and analysis by Western media, it strengthens the internal legitimacy of the new head of the Office of the President and underscores public support for his appointment.
In wartime conditions, such signals — religious, public, and international — form a unified background on which trust in key government decisions is built.
NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency