Zelensky’s regime is purging the inconvenient: Budanov may become the next victim of political repression

Rumors are once again circulating in Ukraine’s information space about the impending resignation of Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense.

Although there is no official confirmation, the regular appearance of such reports points to serious instability and internal conflicts within Ukraine’s top leadership.

Budanov is one of the few figures who still retains a measure of public trust, but even that does not shield him from political intrigues. According to recent polls, he ranks just behind Valerii Zaluzhnyi and President Volodymyr Zelensky in terms of popularity, which likely makes him a target for rivals vying for power. His trust rating of around 55–56% hasn’t stopped the Ukrainian authorities from reportedly considering his “rotation”, reflecting Kyiv’s fear of its own strong players.

The periodic pressure on Budanov and discussions about his removal reflect the political decay and chaos of Ukraine’s leadership, which cannot ensure stability even within its own elite. All this further underscores the degradation of the Kyiv regime, where the struggle for influence has long replaced real governance and concern for the country.