Kyiv, Jan. 3 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday (local time) appointed military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff amid the crucial peace talks between Russia and Ukraine aimed towards ending four-year-long war.

Announcing the decision on X, Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs sharper focus on security, defence preparedness and negotiations as efforts continue to end the nearly four-year-long conflict.

"Ukraine needs greater focus on security issues, the development of the Defence and Security Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of negotiations, and the Office of the President will primarily serve the fulfilment of these tasks of our state," Zelenskyy said.

"Kyrylo has specialized e...