Ukraine suspects Russia poisoned spy chief’s wife

Mercury and arsenic were used in the apparent assassination attempt on the wife of Lt-Gen Kyrylo Budanov. PHOTO: REUTERS

KYIV - Ukraine said on Nov 28 it believed Russia had poisoned the wife of its military intelligence chief, in an apparent assassination attempt targeting the heart of Kyiv’s leadership.

Ms Marianna Budanova, who is an adviser to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, was hospitalised after a prolonged deterioration in her health, the Babel news outlet reported earlier.

Ukrainian investigators’ “main hypothesis” is that Russia was involved in the poisoning attempt, Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov later told AFP.

“The target was the wife,” he added, because “it is simply impossible to reach the commander directly”, referring to Lieutenant-General Kyrylo Budanov.

There was no immediate comment from the Russian authorities.

Mr Yusov said mercury and arsenic, highly toxic substances, were used in the attack.

Citing unnamed intelligence sources, Babel said Kyiv had opened an investigation into what it described as “attempted murder”. A source speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP Babel’s report was accurate, adding that Mrs Budanova had been poisoned and was receiving treatment, but declined to give further details.

Babel reported that the substances found in her body “are not used in normal life or military affairs”.

“Their presence may indicate a deliberate poisoning attempt,” it said.

It also said “several” other employees of GUR, the military intelligence service, were being treated for suspected poisoning.

Mr Yusov confirmed to AFP that traces of heavy metals had been found in other employees, but declined to say how many.

‘Over time’

Ms Budanova was reportedly hospitalised after her condition deteriorated and has already undergone some treatment.

It is not clear when she fell ill, but Mr Yusov told AFP that the assassination attempt “could have been stretched over time”.

“I can’t talk about the timing now,” he said.

Law enforcement officials believe the poison was administered through her food, news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported.

Russia has been accused of poisoning attacks before, although the Kremlin has firmly denied the charges.

In 2018, a former Russian military intelligence officer convicted by Moscow of high treason was poisoned along with his daughter in Britain.

Assassinations are not unheard of in the Ukraine war.

Several pro-Russian officials and supporters of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine have been assassinated since Russia launched its full-scale assault on Ukraine in February 2022.

Officials said they have foiled “more than 10” assassination attempts against Lt-Gen Budanov, a highly respected figure in Ukraine.

Lt-Gen Budanov’s influential military intelligence unit is considered responsible for several sabotage attacks against Russia that have taken place behind the front lines.

Moscow has accused the GUR of being behind the October 2022 explosions on the Kerch bridge, which links Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula.

Lt-Gen Budanov said in August his wife had been living with him “in his office”.

He said she had not left his side since the start of the invasion for security purposes. AFP

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