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 plainly the reshuffle in his administration is way 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 explanation for his or her dismissal was as a result of they fell out of favor with Zelensky’s ‘gray eminence,’ the ability behind the throne, Presidential workplace chief Andryi Yermak.
RBC reported:
“The top of the Major Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Protection of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, in addition to the top of the protection division, Rustem Umerov, could also be dismissed, [Ukrainian paper] Strana experiences, citing sources.”
The top of the Budanov GUR could also be changed by the top 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 potential successors.
“‘There are rumors that the top of the Overseas Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleg Ivaschenko, Budanov’s former deputy, might return to the ‘island’ as the top of the Major 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 instructed the publication.”
This week, Umerov fired two of Budanov’s deputies – Viktor Zaitsev and Igor Ostapenko.
In keeping with sources of “Ukrainian Fact” and the publication Babel, this was accomplished with out the consent or knowledhe of Budanov.
The data was reportedly confirmed by sources of “Strana”.
“‘The choice was made final week. The actual fact is that there’s critical stress between Budanov and the top of the presidential workplace, Andriy Yermak. Budanov is likely one of the few remaining influential individuals within the inside circle of [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky who’re a substitute for Yermak’, one of many sources instructed Strana.”
Bothe officers turned high-profile figures through the conflict. Budanov has headed the Major Intelligence Directorate since August 2020, and Umerov turned the top 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. In keeping with the company, that is inflicting concern amongst Ukraine’s companions within the West. In keeping with Politico, the previous head of the Ukrainian Overseas Ministry, Dmytro Kuleba, was dismissed from his publish 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 getting into into particulars.
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