Wife of Ukrainian intelligence chief poisoned | War Ukraine and Russia

Kyril Budanov’s wife’s health had been deteriorating for some time and she was subsequently hospitalized. “Her treatment is currently being completed and a new check will follow by the doctors,” said one of the sources from ‘Babel’.

Budanova appears to have been made ill with heavy metals. “These are substances that are not used in daily life or in military matters,” the source continues. “Their presence may indicate a deliberate attempt to poison her.”

Sources confirm that there were attempts to poison Kyril Budanov himself both before and after the invasion of Russia. An investigation has now been launched into the alleged attempted poisoning of his wife.

Budanov previously said in an interview with ‘Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’ that his wife – a psychologist – lives with him in his office, although she does not actually work for the Ukrainian government. Since 2021, she has been working as an advisor to the mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klychka.

The Budanovs married in August 2013, six months before the Maidan revolution in Ukraine. During that revolution, pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was deposed after fierce pro-European protests.

In an interview with the Ukrainian edition of the fashion magazine ‘Elle’, Budanova said a year ago that she was aware of the danger she faced as the wife of a high-ranking Ukrainian. “For any military family, especially special agents, there is constant danger. Whether your spouse is a captain or a major general. When Kyril became head of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense (the military intelligence service, ed.), these risks only increased.”