Ukraine Reports Poisoning of Intelligence Chief’s Spouse with Heavy Metals

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Marianna Budanova, the spouse of Ukrainian intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, is currently receiving medical care for poisoning by heavy metals, according to an announcement from a representative of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, GUR. This development comes amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, now in its 22nd month.

The condition of Budanova, married to the head of GUR, was verified to The Big Big News by the agency’s spokesperson, Andrii Yusov. However, Yusov refrained from elaborating on the specifics of the poisoning, including whether it was an attack aimed at Budanov or if there is any suspicion of Russian involvement. Earlier, Yusov had disclosed to Ukrainian media that Budanov had narrowly escaped 10 assassination attempts by Russia’s FSB.

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Previously, Budanov had mentioned that his wife resides with him in his office, suggesting he might have been the intended target of the poisoning. The Russian government, which has a history of suspected involvement in poisonings, has yet to comment on these allegations. Russian media and analysts, however, have been actively discussing the incident, with some suggesting internal Ukrainian strife as a potential cause.

Sources from GUR, as reported by local media, indicate that Budanova was admitted to a hospital in Kyiv. The specific heavy metals responsible for the poisoning have not been disclosed publicly. Reports suggest these metals are uncommon in domestic or military use, leading GUR to believe the poisoning was deliberate, possibly through contaminated food or drink.

In addition to Budanova, who has been Budanov’s wife since 2013, several other GUR members have reportedly been diagnosed with similar poisoning symptoms, as per reports from Ukrainska Pravda.

An official statement from GUR providing further details is anticipated.

Budanova, a psychology graduate who previously advised Kyiv’s mayor, shared her experiences of being married to Ukraine’s spy chief in an interview with Ukraine’s Elle magazine in October 2022. She recounted how she joined her husband at his workplace on the eve of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 23, opting to stay with her family rather than evacuate to a safer location.

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More about Ukraine poisoning incident

• The Big Big News Report on Budanova’s Poisoning
• Ukrainska Pravda Coverage of GUR Personnel Poisoning
• Elle Magazine Interview with Marianna Budanova
• Ukraine-Russia Conflict Updates at Big Big News