The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov stated that the Kremlin continues to try to kill him even despite his participation in peace negotiations with Russia. According to The Times, since August 2020, Budanov has survived at least 10 assassination attempts, UNN reports.
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In an interview with the British publication, Budanov stated that he considers such attempts "absolutely normal" given his previous activities at the head of Ukrainian military intelligence.
I don't have to trust anyone – I have to achieve a result. Any ways, forms, and methods of work are good if they produce a result
The Times writes that Budanov headed the GUR from August 2020 to January 2026, after which he was appointed Head of the Office of the President. During this time, he became one of the main organizers of Ukrainian special operations against Russia.
The publication notes that Budanov has close contacts with the CIA and is considered one of the key figures in the Ukrainian security system.
Among the known assassination attempts, The Times mentions a 2019 incident when a bomb planted by a Russian agent exploded prematurely under Budanov's car.
Also, in 2024, the SBU announced the disruption of an attempted ballistic missile strike on Budanov's convoy involving Russian agents.
In addition, in 2023, Budanov's wife Marianna, as well as several intelligence officers, were likely poisoned with heavy metals.
Budanov also commented on the prospects of negotiations with Russia, stating that he believes in the possibility of ending the war through diplomatic means.
I believe in the negotiation process, in its completion and result