Defense Minister Umerov dismissed two of Budanov’s deputies without his knowledge

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov dismissed two deputies of the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, without his knowledge.

This was reported by “Babel,” citing sources.

About a week ago, Viktor Zaitsev and Ihor Ostapenko were dismissed. They are considered to be associates of former Defense Minister and now Ambassador to Slovenia Andriy Taran.

Some sources suggest that the decision was made by the President’s Office to weaken Budanov.

It is reported that last spring, the relationship between the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, and the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, deteriorated. Although shortly before that, Budanov was a contender for the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The authority to dismiss the deputies of the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate belongs to the Minister of Defense, who reports to the President. A source familiar with the situation noted that the decision was made at Bankova (the Presidential Office) to weaken Budanov. According to media reports, the relationship between Budanov and Yermak worsened in the spring of 2024, even though in February, Budanov was being considered, along with Syrskyi, for the position of Commander-in-Chief.

It is worth noting that in August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mykola Oleshchuk.