Ukrainian intelligence chief's wife poisoned by strange substance, suspected of being assassinated

Some media channels reported that Ms. Marianna Budanova's health was deteriorating (Photo: Reuters).

Marianna Budanova, wife of Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency (GUR), is being treated in hospital after a suspected poisoning, Ukrainian news site Babel reported.

Meanwhile, an anonymous source confirmed to AFP that the information was correct. The source said that Ms Budanova had been poisoned and was receiving treatment, but declined to provide further details.

Babel reported that the substances found in Budanova's body "were not intended for use in everyday life or military operations".

“Their presence could indicate a deliberate attempt at poisoning,” Babel reported.

Ukraine's General Budanov is one of Russia's top priority targets (Photo: Reuters).

Babel also said that "several" other GUR employees were also being treated for suspected poisoning.

Ms Budanova, an adviser to Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko, was reportedly hospitalised after her health deteriorated and she underwent a cycle of treatment.

Law enforcement believes the poison was introduced through food, Ukrainska Pravda reported.

AFP quoted Ukrainian officials as saying they had foiled "more than 10" plots to assassinate Mr. Budanov during his career.

Mr Budanov's military intelligence unit is believed to be behind a number of attacks on Russia on the front line.

Moscow had accused GUR of being behind the explosion of the Kerch bridge connecting Russia with the Crimean peninsula in October 2022.

In August, Mr Budanov said he and his wife had been inseparable since the conflict broke out for security reasons. He said his wife lived with him “in the office”.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/vo-sep-tinh-bao-ukraine-trung-chat-doc-la-nghi-bi-am-sat-20231128204345600.htm