Russia still trying to assassinate Ukraine's presidential office chief during peace talks
Ukraine's presidential office chief Kyrylo Budanov (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine's presidential office chief Kyrylo Budanov said the Kremlin continues attempts to kill him — even now, while he is holding peace talks with Russia, The Times reports.
Budanov gave his first interview to British media after being appointed to his new position. He arrived at the meeting carrying a weapon in a holster.
Despite increased security measures at the Office of the President, the threat to his life has not disappeared. According to consensus, at least ten assassination attempts have already been made against him.
"I do not have to trust anyone. I have to achieve a result," he said.
Budanov called it "absolutely normal" that the Kremlin continues hunting him even during negotiations.
Most assassination attempts were not made public. But some became known.
- In 2019, a bomb planted under Budanov's car detonated prematurely and tore off the hand of the agent who planted it. According to media reports, Budanov chased the second attacker with a weapon, but he managed to escape.
- In 2023, his wife, Marianna Budanova, and several intelligence officers were poisoned with heavy metals. Kyiv considers this a Russian operation against Budanov's inner circle.
- In 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine uncovered a plan to attack Budanov's convoy with ballistic missiles. Two colonels from Ukraine's state protection service, who secretly worked for Moscow, were involved in the plot. The third participant was supposed to eliminate survivors using a first-person-view drone. All three were detained.
Despite ongoing threats and assassination attempts, the head of the Office of the President said he still considers negotiations the only real path to ending the war.
