On July 27, 2024, Kyrylo Budanov, the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, took part in the graduation ceremony of the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE). During the event, he delivered an inspirational speech and received an honorary degree from the school.
In his address to the graduates, Budanov emphasized the importance of continuous learning and the desire to be a leader in one’s field. “There are no unattainable goals for a person who strives for knowledge and is ready for challenges. You should always be number one,” he said.
The DIU chief also emphasized the role of current events in the country’s development: “War is not the best page in the history of any state. But war is also a development. Historical experience shows that extraordinary events have always given impetus to technological, industrial and scientific achievements.”
The Kyiv School of Economics recognized Kyrylo Budanov’s contribution to the development of Ukrainian statehood, national security, and strategic cooperation with educational and scientific institutions by awarding him an honorary degree.
The official part was followed by a question and answer session, where the graduates had the opportunity to talk to the DIU chief. When asked what kind of specialists Ukraine lacks, Budanov replied: “graduates of the Kyiv School of Economics”.
Concluding the meeting, Kirill Budanov expressed confidence in Ukraine’s future: “We will definitely live and work in a wonderful, free, independent Ukraine. We will determine our own future and the fate of our own country.”