Ukraine spy chief’s wife poisoned with heavy metals. In a concerning development, Ukrainian media outlets reported on Tuesday that Marianna Budanova, the wife of Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency GUR, has allegedly been poisoned with heavy metals.
Unnamed intelligence sources were cited as the basis for these reports, marking a potentially significant escalation in the targeting of high-profile Ukrainian figures and their families since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February of the previous year.
Kyrylo Budanov has gained notoriety in Ukraine for his role as a key strategist in clandestine operations against Russian forces during the 21-month-long conflict. Conversely, Russian media has portrayed him negatively, underscoring the divisive nature of the geopolitical tensions.
As of now, there has been no official response from Ukraine’s military intelligence or domestic security services regarding the alleged poisoning.
Details surrounding the incident, including the identity of those responsible and the timing of the poisoning, remain unclear.
Reports suggest Marianna Budanova has undergone hospital treatment and is concluding a course of treatment for the effects of the poisoning.
One media outlet, Babel, cited an unnamed source indicating that the poison may have been administered through her food.
Ukrainska Pravda, another outlet, reported that several other GUR staff members might have also fallen victim to poisoning, though specific details are yet to be confirmed.
The backdrop to this incident includes the broader context of strained relations between Russia and Ukraine. Kyrylo Budanov’s arrest in absentia by a Moscow court on terrorism charges in April, along with previous accusations from Moscow regarding Ukrainian involvement in deaths on Russian soil, adds complexity to the situation. Kyiv has consistently denied any involvement in such incidents.
The evolving nature of this situation underscores the need for further official statements and developments to provide clarity.
As Ukraine spy chief’s wife poisoned with heavy metals, the alleged poisoning, if confirmed, represents a serious and targeted act against a high-profile Ukrainian leadership figure’s family member, heightening concerns about the ongoing tensions in the region.
