Ukraine intelligence shake-up: Possible dismissal of Budanov
The office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly considering the dismissal of Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, according to the NV portal, which cites sources within the security services. A "more loyal person" purportedly is to be appointed in his stead.
Sources suggest Budanov's dismissal could occur in December. The NV reports that this move is primarily advocated by the Head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, and the Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Oleksandr Poklad. It is believed Poklad will assume Budanov's position.
Budanov to be dismissed?
Another source from NV explained that Budanov's public actions and statements have been detrimental to Ukraine. This includes special operations in Africa and defence procurement 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 reports regarding plans to appoint Poklad as the head of HUR, describing such claims as “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 linked to the security structures informed NV that "there is a possibility of Budanov's dismissal." According to them, the decision was to be made 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 Defence of Ukraine (HUR) since August 2020.
In August 2016, he took part in an operation in Crimea, during which there was a confrontation with Russian special forces. In April 2019, an explosive device was planted under Budanov's car, detonating prematurely and injuring one of the assailants.
During the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Budanov played a crucial role in intelligence and special operations, significantly contributing to the country's defence.
In November 2023, his wife, Marianna Budanova, was poisoned with heavy metals.
