Umerov and Budanov may be fired, - media

Umerov and Budanov may be fired, - media

According to media sources, Defence Minister Rustem Umyerov and Head of the DIU Kyrylo Budanov may be dismissed.

Moreover, sources confirm that the decision to dismiss Deputy Heads of the Main Intelligence Directorate Viktor Zaitsev and Ihor Ostapenko was made without Budanov’s consent.

«The decision was made last week. The fact is that there is significant tension between Budanov and Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak. Budanov is one of the few remaining influential people in Zelenskyy’s inner circle who serves as an alternative to Yermak,» the source claims.

Possible candidates to replace Budanov are also being discussed in the corridors of power.

«Rumors are spreading that Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleh Ivashchenko, who previously served as Budanov’s deputy, may return to the "island" as the new Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate. Meanwhile, current Defence Minister Rustem Umyerov may be appointed as Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service. It remains unclear who will take Umyerov’s place,» a media source reported.

It should be noted that Umerov has recently begun to face active criticism from activists and media close to Western structures.