Arsenic and mercury poisoning strikes wife of Ukrainian spy chief
9:02 AM EST, November 29, 2023
On Tuesday, Andrij Jusow, the spokesman for the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (HUR), confirmed earlier media reports that Marianna Budanowa, the wife of Ukrainian military intelligence head, Kyrylo Budanow, had been poisoned. He shared this information with the Suspilne service, adding that Mrs. Budanowa's treatment is close to completion, and that she will be observed for a few more weeks.
Valery Kondratiuk, the former chief of Ukrainian foreign intelligence and HUR, revealed that Marianna Budanowa was poisoned with mercury and arsenic. "I possess classified information that hasn't yet been disclosed. The cause was poisoning with heavy metals. During the tests, metals such as arsenic and mercury were detected," stated Kondratiuk, as quoted by the NV portal.
Other high-ranking intelligence employees were also poisoned
Kondratiuk further disclosed that several other high-ranking HUR officials were also poisoned. He clarified that the individuals responsible for protecting Mrs. Budanow were not among those affected. "The victims are peers, managers of specific sections, who were in charge of operations connected to Russia within the Main Intelligence Directorate," he added.
Intoxication with heavy metals: Undergoing treatment
Earlier Tuesday, the Ukrinform agency reported, citing intelligence sources, that Marianna Budanowa had been poisoned with heavy metals and was receiving treatment.
The Interfax-Ukraine agency, quoting HUR sources, reported that the toxins that harmed Budanowa are not commonly found in either the military or regular life. "Their presence could imply a deliberate attempt to poison a specific person," said the agency's informant.
The Ukrainska Pravda portal speculated that the poisoning likely occurred through food. After complaining of feeling ill, Budanowa went through medical tests, which confirmed poisoning. The Ukrainska Pravda provided additional information that several of HUR's associates had also been poisoned.
The Ukrainska Pravda reminded its readers that there have been over ten assassination attempts against Kyrylo Budanow himself, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. As the youngest head of special services in Ukraine's history, the 37-year-old Budanow assumed the reins of HUR in August 2020.
