Because the undermanned, underequipped, and outmaneuvered Ukrainian frontline formations crumble, embattled President Volodymyr Zelensky locations all his bets on long-distance strikes deep into Russian territory, and evidently the reshuffle in his administration is much from over.
Subsequent in line for alternative, Ukrainian media suggests, are two acquainted faces: Rustem Umerov and Kirill Budanov.
There’s hypothesis within the US media that the rationale for his or her dismissal was as a result of they fell out of favor with Zelensky’s ‘gray eminence,’ the facility behind the throne, Presidential workplace chief Andryi Yermak.
RBC reported:
“The pinnacle of the Fundamental Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Protection of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, in addition to the pinnacle of the protection division, Rustem Umerov, could also be dismissed, [Ukrainian paper] Strana studies, citing sources.”
The pinnacle of the Budanov GUR could also be changed by the pinnacle of the Overseas Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleg Ivaschenko, writes Strana.
As for Protection Minister Umerov, it’s unclear who will take his place.
The Ukrainian management have reportedly already been secretly discussing candidates for his or her attainable successors.
“‘There are rumors that the pinnacle of the Overseas Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleg Ivaschenko, Budanov’s former deputy, could return to the ‘island’ as the pinnacle of the Fundamental Intelligence Directorate, and the present Minister of Protection, Rustem Umerov, could also be appointed head of the Overseas Intelligence Service. The query of who will take Umerov’s place stays open’, the supply informed the publication.”
This week, Umerov fired two of Budanov’s deputies – Viktor Zaitsev and Igor Ostapenko.
Based on sources of “Ukrainian Reality” and the publication Babel, this was achieved with out the consent or knowledhe of Budanov.
The knowledge was reportedly confirmed by sources of “Strana”.
“‘The choice was made final week. The actual fact is that there’s severe stress between Budanov and the pinnacle of the presidential workplace, Andriy Yermak. Budanov is without doubt one of the few remaining influential individuals within the interior circle of [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky who’re a substitute for Yermak’, one of many sources informed Strana.”
Bothe officers turned high-profile figures throughout the warfare. Budanov has headed the Fundamental Intelligence Directorate since August 2020, and Umerov turned the pinnacle of the Ministry of Protection of Ukraine in September 2023.
“Bloomberg additionally wrote earlier concerning the rising focus of energy within the Ukrainian president’s workplace below Yermak. Based on the company, that is inflicting concern amongst Ukraine’s companions within the West. Based on Politico, the previous head of the Ukrainian Overseas Ministry, Dmytro Kuleba, was dismissed from his submit as a result of he irritated Yermak.”
This month, Zelensky carried out a serious reshuffle of the Ukrainian authorities. He attributed the personnel modifications to the ‘extraordinarily essential’ autumn season, with out coming into into particulars.
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