The Office of the President of Ukraine is discussing the dismissal of Budanov, Umerov, and Syrsky – Forbes

The Office of the President of Ukraine is reportedly discussing the potential dismissal of several key leaders: Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense, and Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This information comes from “Forbes Ukraine”, citing sources.

Budanov could be dismissed in the coming months, although no final decision has been made. Discussions regarding his removal have been ongoing for at least a month. Budanov is said to have “strained relations” with Andriy Yermak (Head of the President’s Office) and Syrskyi. Additionally, President Zelensky is reportedly dissatisfied with certain unsuccessful operations led by HUR, and the Office of the President (Bankova) is irritated by Budanov’s media presence.

According to a source in the defense sector, “Yermak doesn’t like people with media influence and support from international partners.”

A conflict with Syrskyi emerged due to HUR’s reluctance to share specific intelligence data with the Commander-in-Chief. The “Kursk operation” is cited as an example, where HUR did not participate despite prior intelligence support for attacks on the Russian border by volunteers.

The Office of the President is also unhappy with HUR’s involvement in non-typical processes like drone production. An ongoing legal case regarding procurement irregularities involving HUR’s company “Spetstechnoexport” further complicates matters, with the state suing for at least 820 million UAH.

Another factor contributing to dissatisfaction is Budanov’s public predictions about the specific timeline for ending the war, which have harmed Zelensky’s image and negatively impacted public perception. A source called such public statements from an intelligence leader “nonsense.”

Oleh Ivashchenko, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, is named as a potential replacement for Budanov.

Regarding Rustem Umerov, there is dissatisfaction with his performance as Minister of Defense, as the ministry remains in a state of “chaos” a year after his appointment. Specific complaints include delays in weapon and equipment procurement, chaotic government contracts, and an inability to plan production. Some companies are moving operations abroad due to the lack of funding and falling production. Bankova is still determining whether Umerov is directly responsible for this disorganization.

Potential replacements for Umerov include Deputy Prime Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov and Ivan Havryliuk, the First Deputy Minister of Defense, who was recently added to Zelensky’s strategic council—a first for deputy ministers.

As for Oleksandr Syrskyi, discussions about his dismissal began in the summer, with interviews reportedly conducted with other generals. The main criticism of Syrskyi is his lukewarm stance on the development of drone warfare components within the military. President Zelensky proposed creating a new branch of the armed forces— the Unmanned Systems Forces—headed by the young General Vadym Sukharevskyi. Syrskyi allegedly perceives Sukharevskyi as a potential rival, though Sukharevskyi denies any ambitions to become the Commander-in-Chief.

This tension is reflected in the controversial appointment of Roman Hladkyi as the Chief of Staff for the Unmanned Systems Forces, a decision made without consultation with Sukharevskyi. Despite this, the relationship between Syrskyi and Sukharevskyi is currently described as “working.”

However, sources suggest that the tension between Zelensky and Syrskyi eased following the start of the Kursk operation, and the idea of replacing Syrskyi has been reconsidered.

In late September, media reports indicated that Budanov might step down soon, echoing current speculation about leadership changes in the defense sector.