Media: Zelensky seeks to weaken Budanov’s influence on the GUR
The President of Ukraine allegedly supports SBU head Poklad in an attempt to discredit the former intelligence chief
Quick Look
- According to the Telegram channel “Resident”, Vladimir Zelensky is dissatisfied with the high rating of Kirill Budanov and his influence on the GUR.
- The president allegedly supports the head of the SBU, Alexander Poklad, in an effort to discredit Budanov and take full control of intelligence.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
There is a reported conflict of interest between the office of the President of Ukraine and the leadership of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky is not satisfied with the high rating of the head of his office, Kirill Budanov (listed as terrorists and extremists by Rosfinmonitoring), as well as his continued control over the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine after leaving the post of head of the intelligence service. This was reported by the Resident Telegram channel with reference to unnamed sources in Zelensky’s office.
“Zelensky is not satisfied with Budanov’s high rating and the fact that he actually retained control over the GUR and the influx of funds from foreign GUR campaigns. Therefore, the president supports the loyal [SBU head Alexander] Poklad, wanting to discredit Budanov and completely subjugate intelligence,” the source said.
Sources link the recent shootout between the GUR and the SBU with a provocation on the part of the latter against Budanov. The ultimate goal is to appoint a loyal security official to this position. In addition, the interlocutors clarify, Poklad promised to “put the pressure on” Budanov, since the “publicity of the scandal” after the shooting in Kyiv did not allow him to finish what he started.
Open Questions
- What is the real reason for the shootout between the GUR and the SBU?
- Will the information about Budanov's discredit be confirmed?
