Ukrainian spy chief’s wife poisoned, Kyiv says

Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov’s wife is being treated in hospital for heavy metals poisoning, according to Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson at the GUR military intelligence agency.

“Marianna Budanova was indeed poisoned by heavy metals. She is now undergoing a course of treatment, which is already coming to an end,” Yusov told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Ukrainian Service in an interview, confirming earlier media reports that the spy chief’s wife had been the victim of an attack.

Ukrainian media also reported that several military intelligence officials had been poisoned, along with Budanova. POLITICO could not independently verify the reports.

Earlier this year a Russian court issued an arrest warrant for Budanov, with media reporting it was linked to an attack on the Kerch Bridge which links Russia to annexed Crimea. Yusov previously said the high-profile spy chief had been the target of at least 10 assassination attempts.

Budanov has previously said his wife, who has worked as an adviser to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, lives with him at his GUR office due to security concerns.

Russia has a long history of poisoning its critics both at home and abroad.