Budanov unsettled after scandal involving Mudra — sources of Ukrainska Pravda

The head of the Ukrainian president’s office, Kyrylo Budanov, is experiencing anxiety in connection with the corruption investigation surrounding his former deputy Iryna Mudra.

This is reported by Ukrainska Pravda, citing its own sources.

According to the outlet, the investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has caused Budanov concern due to his ties with several individuals involved in the case.

“He has been walking around pale since the publication of the recordings [of Mudra’s wiretaps],” a source told the outlet, adding that the head of the president’s office is also not meeting with anyone from outside.

An insider at Ukrainska Pravda claims that the matter may involve possible contacts between Budanov and Verkhovna Rada deputy Vadym Stolar and former parliamentarian Maksym Mykytас. According to the source, through these individuals the head of the president’s office allegedly organized the collection of money for bail for former Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

In addition, the outlet’s source stated that Budanov has begun seeking funds to post bail for Iryna Mudra. The origin of these funds, according to the insider, is unknown.

The anti-corruption operation, during which searches were carried out at Mudra’s premises, was conducted on the morning of August 19. NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office announced the exposure of a criminal organization that operated under the leadership of current and former members of parliament with the participation of senior officials from the president’s office.

It was previously reported that Zelensky’s former deputy head of the office received hundreds of thousands of dollars in income over the summer.