NV: Zelensky plans to dismiss Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate.

The office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering the dismissal of the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, with plans to appoint a "more loyal person" in his place.

Source. This was reported by NV citing a source in Ukraine's security and defense sector.

According to the publication's informant, Budanov may be dismissed in December. The chief lobbyists for this process are the head of the president's office Andrii Yermak and the deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Oleksandr Poklad. The source indicates that Poklad is expected to take Budanov's position.

Another NV source explained that some public actions and statements by the head of GUR have harmed Ukraine. This particularly concerns special operations in Africa and defense procurements from other countries.

“There is an objective reality and objectively wrong decisions. Should there be accountability for this? The president will decide,” the source reported.

The SBU press service denied the information regarding plans to appoint Poklad as the head of GUR, labeling such statements as an information leak from Russian special services.

“Rumors about blocking any GUR units or other components of the Defense Forces are part of an enemy strategy, particularly to create artificial tension within the military leadership of our state,” the Ukrainian special service stated.

At the end of September, an informed source in the law enforcement agencies told NV that “the option of dismissing Budanov exists.” According to this source, the decision was intended to be made during Zelensky's visit to the USA, and efforts were underway to find compromising material on Budanov.

At that time, “Poklad's people” and SBU special forces were reportedly preparing to block access to the GUR building, but no decision regarding the dismissal of the head of GUR was made.

Background. Recall that in July, Budanov stated that Russia is again preparing an attack on Ukraine from the north.

“This year, unfortunately, I will not have good news,” said the head of GUR.

Later, Zelensky refuted his words, stating that Budanov was misunderstood.