![\"\"](\"https:\/\/e3.365dm.com\/23\/11\/70x70\/skynews-ukraine-poisoning-heavy-metal_6375577.jpg?20231128162018\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Wife of Ukrainian military spy chief in hospital after suspected poisoning with heavy metals | World News<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The wife of Ukraine’s intelligence chief is undergoing treatment after allegedly being poisoned with heavy metals.<\/p>\n
Marianna Budanova is the wife of Lt General Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, known as the GUR.<\/p>\n
The agency has been prominently involved in clandestine operations against Russian forces since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.<\/p>\n
Ukraine war latest: Follow live<\/strong><\/p>\n “Yes, I can confirm the information, unfortunately, it is true,” Andriy Yusov, the GUR’s spokesperson, said on Tuesday, when asked if Ms Budanova had been poisoned.<\/p>\n He did not give any further details about when the poisoning took place or who was behind it.<\/p>\n It is thought the poison was likely administered through food, according to local media, as the metals were not used domestically or in military equipment.<\/p>\n Local media reported Ms Budanova is in hospital in Kyiv.<\/p>\n If confirmed as deliberate, it would represent the most serious targeting of a high-profile Ukrainian leadership figure’s family member during the 21-month conflict.<\/p>\n Several other GUR officials were also diagnosed with the same poisoning.<\/p>\n Mr Budanov, 37, is reported to have survived 10 assassination attempts carried out by the Russian state security service.<\/p>\n Read more: This includes a botched bombing of a car.<\/p>\n He had also previously told local media that his wife lives with him in his office, which could suggest he was the intended target for the poisoning.<\/p>\n There was no immediate comment from Russia, but some Russian media and commentators speculated it could be part of infighting in Ukraine.<\/p>\n In Ukraine, Mr Budanov is portrayed as a behind-the-scenes mastermind of operations to strike back at Russia, whereas in Russian media he is a hate figure.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0635\u062f\u0631<\/a>
Russia extends detention of Wall Street Journal reporter
David Cameron’s Ukraine trip shows its importance to the UK<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
\n\u0623\u062e\u0628\u0627\u0631<\/a><\/p>\n