Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov recently removed two deputy heads of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Viktor Zaitsev and Ihor Ostapenko, placing them on leave. The decision was made without the approval of HUR head Kyrylo Budanov, believed to be a competitor to President Volodymyr Zelensky. This move is seen as an attempt to weaken Budanov’s position within the government.
The dismissals come amid false Russian propaganda spreading rumors about Budanov being a threat to Zelensky, linking him to the poisoning of his wife. Budanov denies any political ambitions during the ongoing war and sees the accusations as a ploy to shift blame from Russian intelligence.
This situation highlights the tension between Ukrainian military intelligence and political leadership. Officials in Kyiv government dismiss these rumors as attempts to create conflict where there is none.
The decision to remove the HUR deputies reflects a power struggle within the Ukrainian defense establishment. The situation is still unfolding, with conflicting reports about who is ultimately behind the dismissals.
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