The Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Budanov, may leave his position soon. His successor has been named

The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, may soon step down from his position.

This information was reported by “NV.ua”, citing a source within the security services.

“There is such a possibility,” the source said when commenting on the potential dismissal of Budanov.

The insider refuted rumors that the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate would be appointed as an ambassador abroad. The source mentioned that Budanov might be replaced by Oleh Ivashchenko, the current head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.

Media outlets have also previously reported on Budanov’s possible resignation. According to these reports, Ivashchenko, who was once Budanov’s deputy, might take over his position. In turn, the current Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, could replace Ivashchenko as the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, but it’s unclear who would then assume the role of Defense Minister.

In September, Umerov dismissed two of Budanov’s deputies, Viktor Zaitsev and Ihor Ostapenko, reportedly without consulting with the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate. Media sources suggested that personnel changes are expected within the Ministry of Defense.

It has also been reported that there is “serious tension” between the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, and Budanov. Sources stated, “Budanov is one of the few remaining influential people within President Zelensky’s close circle who serves as an alternative to Yermak.”

To recall, Budanov has led the GUR since August 2020. The FSB named him as the organizer of the attack on the Crimean Bridge in October 2022, although the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Vasyl Maliuk, later stated that he personally planned the operation. In August of this year, Budanov suggested that the bridge could be attacked again (the second attack occurred in July 2023).

Earlier this year, “The Times” reported that Budanov was among the candidates to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, replacing Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who was dismissed in February and appointed as an ambassador to London. At the same time, both Zaluzhnyi and Budanov were awarded the title of Heroes of Ukraine. The position of Commander-in-Chief was eventually taken by Oleksandr Syrskyi, who had received the same title in 2022.