KYIV — A bright red notebook sitting on the desk of Ukraine’s top presidential aide has sparked intrigue across the country after journalists noticed a provocative inscription scrawled across its cover: “List of bastards 2026.”
The discovery, made during a media visit to the office of Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, has fueled speculation about who might be on the list—and why it’s displayed so prominently in a government workspace. The notebook was spotted on Monday, April 27, during interviews conducted in Budanov’s newly assigned office inside the Presidential Office building in Kyiv.
The office itself, located on the second floor of the Presidential Office, was previously occupied by Serhiy Shefir, a longtime aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to reports, the space was reassigned to Budanov, who also serves as the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. The room’s decor offers a glimpse into Budanov’s personality: a large chessboard dominates one corner, while an Orthodox icon hangs above his desk, adding a personal touch to the otherwise professional setting.
Journalists who visited the office described the notebook as hard to miss. “In Budanov’s office, your eyes are immediately drawn to a large chessboard, an icon above his head, and a bright red notebook on the desk with the inscription ‘List of bastards 2026,’” one publication noted. Though, neither Budanov nor his staff have clarified the notebook’s purpose or the identities of those listed inside. The cryptic label has left observers wondering whether it’s a private joke, a motivational tool, or something more official.
The timing of the discovery adds another layer of curiosity. Ukraine remains locked in a grueling war with Russia, and Budanov has been a vocal critic of corruption and inefficiency within the country’s institutions. Earlier this year, he publicly condemned Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies, arguing that their current operations fail to meet the demands of wartime. His blunt rhetoric has made him a polarizing figure, admired by some for his transparency and criticized by others for his confrontational style.
Budanov’s office has also develop into a symbol of the broader changes sweeping through Ukraine’s government. A newly installed photo gallery outside his door features portraits of past Ukrainian leaders and their top aides, a reminder of the country’s turbulent political history. “Not many of his predecessors had spotless reputations,” one report noted, hinting at the challenges facing Ukraine’s leadership during a period of unprecedented crisis.
For now, the red notebook remains a mystery. Whether it’s a personal reminder, a symbolic gesture, or something more substantive, its presence in Budanov’s office has captured the public’s imagination. As Ukraine navigates the complexities of war and governance, the notebook serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes—and the uncompromising attitudes—shaping the country’s future.
The story has resonated widely on social media, with many Ukrainians speculating about who might earn a spot on the list. Some have joked that it could include corrupt officials, Russian propagandists, or even political rivals. Others see it as a reflection of the frustration many Ukrainians feel toward those they believe are undermining the war effort. Whatever its true purpose, the notebook has become a symbol of the no-nonsense approach Budanov is known for—and a conversation starter about accountability in Ukraine’s leadership.
“In Budanov’s office, your eyes are immediately drawn to a large chessboard, an icon above his head, and a bright red notebook on the desk with the inscription ‘List of bastards 2026.’”
As the war drags on, Budanov’s role continues to evolve. Once primarily known for his work in military intelligence, he has increasingly become a public figure, unafraid to challenge the status quo. His office’s decor—from the chessboard to the provocative notebook—suggests a man who thinks strategically and isn’t afraid to make bold statements, even in his workspace.
For now, the notebook’s contents remain a closely guarded secret. But its very existence has already sent a message: in Ukraine’s fight for survival, there’s little patience for those who don’t measure up.
