“Zelensky’s office is considering the possibility of dismissing the head of military intelligence Budanov and Defense Minister Umerov”, – Ukrainian political strategist Haidai

The Office of President Zelensky is considering the possible resignation of Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and the head of military intelligence Kyrylo Budanov, but for different reasons.

This was stated by Ukrainian political strategist Serhiy Hayday in an interview with “Politeka”.

“Budanov is a creation of the President’s Office. Budanov emerged when the president had genuine intentions of not running for a second term after winning the war. He planned to step down as president as a victor – as the man who won the war against the Russians. After that, he intended to build his future as a great figure known and respected worldwide. Perhaps he would return to the film industry as a big producer on the level of Spielberg, making films about himself and how he won the war. But the president’s inner circle was strongly dissatisfied with this scenario. They understood perfectly well that if Volodymyr Oleksandrovych (Zelensky) left, they would need a new candidate. Someone who, on the one hand, would be manageable and guarantee 100% that they would all keep their positions. This is how Budanov appeared,” Hayday said.

The political strategist pointed out that two things surprised everyone: how could an ordinary operative, even one skilled in diving with scuba gear and participating in special operations, be appointed as the head of intelligence? The role required a person of a different caliber, with the necessary intellectual and strategic understanding.

“And secondly, ideally, no one should know his name or surname, yet Budanov was giving interviews back then. Publicity was predetermined for him; he had to urgently build the image of a hero who helped the president win, which he was actively doing. This later resulted in significant losses for us, such as the deaths of special service personnel who were sent on missions to plant flags so that Budanov could report on capturing Crimea or seizing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The number of Special Operations Forces soldiers killed there is still not widely known, but everyone knows about the failed operations. However, the situation has changed now. The war is not won, the elections were canceled, and Budanov has gained influence. If tomorrow he announces that he is running for president, he would take a significant number of votes from Zelensky. That’s why they are thinking about sending him away, possibly like Zaluzhny, to a distant country,” Hayday explained.

According to Hayday, the reasons for Defense Minister Umerov’s possible resignation are different.

“There are concerns about Umerov. They thought that after Reznikov, he would be able to organize the work of the Ministry of Defense. I’m afraid the President’s Office now believes that there is even more chaos and disorder there. That’s why they are trying to replace him with someone who would restore order. Failures at the front could end badly for the President’s Office as well,” the expert reminded.