Zelensky's inner circle eyes Budanov's potential dismissal
The office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering the possibility of dismissing Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, claims the NV portal, citing security service sources. A "more loyal person" is expected to be appointed in his place.
6:52 AM EST, November 26, 2024
According to the portal's source, Budanov may be dismissed in December. As reported by the NV portal, the strongest advocates for this are the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, and the deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Oleksandr Poklad. According to the source, Poklad is supposed to take Budanov's position.
Budanov to be dismissed?
Another NV source explained that some public actions and statements made by the head of HUR have harmed Ukraine. This involves, among other things, special operations in Africa and defense purchases in other countries.
- There is an objective reality and objectively wrong decisions. Should there be accountability for this? The president [Volodymyr Zelenskyy] will decide - the source conveyed.
SBU denies: "Russian services' disinformation"
The SBU press office denied the reports about plans to appoint Poklad as head of HUR, calling such reports "disinformation from Russian special services."
"Rumours of blocking any HUR units or other elements of the Defence Forces of Ukraine are components of a hostile strategy aimed, among other things, at creating artificial tension among the military leadership of our state," stated the Ukrainian special service.
At the end of September, a source connected with security structures reported to NV that "there is a possibility of Budanov's dismissal." According to him, the decision was planned during Zelensky's visit to the USA, and allegedly compromising materials were being sought on Budanov.
Who is Kyrylo Budanov?
Kyrylo Budanov is a Ukrainian military officer who has been head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR) since August 2020.
In August 2016, he participated in an operation in Crimea, which led to clashes with Russian special forces. In April 2019, an explosive device was placed under Budanov's car, which detonated prematurely, injuring one of the attackers.
During Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Budanov played a crucial role in intelligence and special operations, contributing to the country's effective defense.
In November 2023, his wife, Marianna Budanov, was poisoned with heavy metals.
