Oleh Ivashchenko Becomes New Head of Ukrainian Intelligence. What is Known About Him?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a key personnel change in the country's security bloc. After Kyrylo Budanov's transition to the position of Head of the President's Office, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) was headed by Lieutenant General Oleh Ivashchenko, who previously served as the Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the new head of GUR Oleh Ivashchenko.
This appointment completed a chain of reshuffles in the Ukrainian government, which began with the dismissal of the previous Head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, and the appointment of Kyrylo Budanov in his place. Now one of the country's most influential special services has a new head.
Who is Oleh Ivashchenko?
56-year-old Oleh Ivashchenko is a career military intelligence officer with extensive experience, who has climbed all steps of the career ladder. Unlike his predecessor, he is a less public but very influential figure in the security forces.
He graduated from the Kyiv Higher Combined Arms Command School, the National Academy of Defense, and also received a degree in economics and law. Ivashchenko also holds a Ph.D. in military sciences.
Since 2017, he has held the position of First Deputy Head of the GUR and simultaneously Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Intelligence. In fact, he was the "right hand" of intelligence chiefs for many years.
Since 2021, he served as Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In March 2024, he was appointed Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
Thus, Ivashchenko is perfectly familiar with the specifics of both military and foreign intelligence work. He is a member of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. For his service, he has been awarded the prestigious Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky and Danylo Halytsky.
The appointment of Oleh Ivashchenko indicates that President Zelenskyy has placed his bet on an experienced professional who knows the system well from the inside and is capable of ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of military intelligence operations in wartime conditions.
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