The wife of Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate, has been poisoned, a spokesman for the country’s military intelligence has confirmed. Andriy Yusov was quoted telling Radio Free Europe that Marianna Budanova is currently undergoing treatment for suspected heavy metals poisoning. Earlier, an intelligence source told the Kyiv Post that reports about 30-year-old Budanova falling ill were “true.” “She went to the doctor on time, if a week later, the consequences would be more severe,” the source added. The source did not give additional information, but according to Ukrainian news site Babel, Budanova has been hospitalized after being “poisoned with heavy metals.” “These substances are not used in any way in everyday life and military affairs,” a source told Babel. “Their presence may indicate a purposeful attempt to poison a specific person.” Both outlets reported that an investigation has been opened for Budanova’s attempted murder. Her husband has been targeted in 10 Russian assassination attempts, according to the Post, including in a car explosion which left him seriously injured.
