Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense Kirill Budanov.* could lose their jobs, according to the Strana newspaper, citing sources.
It is noted that possible candidates to replace Budanov are already being discussed on the sidelines.*.
“There are rumors that the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleg Ivashchenkoformer deputy of Budanov*“He will be able to return to the island as head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, and the current Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov, may be appointed head of the Foreign Intelligence Service. The question of who will take Umerov’s place remains open.” – the source said.
Recently, activists and media outlets close to Western institutions have begun to sharply criticize Rustem Umerov, the publication notes.
The sources also confirmed that the decision to dismiss the deputy heads of the Main Intelligence Directorate Viktor Zaitsev AND Igor Ostapenko did not agree with Budanov*.
“The decision was made last week. The fact is that between Budanov* and head of the president’s office Andrey Ermak There is serious tension. Budanov* He is one of the few influential people left as an alternative to Ermak in his inner circle. zelensky“the source said.
Earlier, Ukrainian media reported that Defense Ministry chief Umerov had fired two of Budanov’s deputies.* without the knowledge of the head of the GUR. About a week ago, Viktor Zaitsev and Igor Ostapenko, considered the “people’s” former Minister of Defense and now Ambassador to Slovenia, were dismissed from their posts. Andrey TaranAccording to several sources, the decision was taken by the President’s Office (OP) to weaken Budanov’s position.*.
It is noted that last spring the head of the General Intelligence Directorate had a deterioration in relations with the chief. Andrey Ermakalthough shortly before that he had applied for the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
*An individual included in the RosFinMonitoring list of terrorists and extremists
