'Struggle for influence' between Budanov and Ivashchenko is media speculation – sources
There is ongoing routine dialogue between the current and former heads of the Defense Ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence - Oleh Ivashchenko and Kyrylo Budanov - and reports of a "struggle for influence" between them are media speculation, sources in military intelligence told Interfax-Ukraine.
Oleh Ivashchenko and Kyrylo Budanov, the current and former heads of the Defense Ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, maintain regular communication, according to sources in military intelligence. Reports suggesting a struggle for influence between the two are merely media speculation and a conspiracy theory, as both officers have dedicated their careers to serving in the agency, valuing its traditions and values, sources told Interfax-Ukraine.
While some changes are expected, with every commander having the right to their own vision for the agency, Ivashchenko and Budanov continue to engage in routine dialogue at briefings and meetings. The source also questioned the identity of the alleged leaker and the motive behind the media reports, which claimed Ivashchenko was attempting to weaken Budanov's influence and remove his people from key positions.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
