"Media reports suggest Budanova may be replaced by someone more favorable to the authorities."

In the Office of the President, there are calls for the dismissal of the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense Kirill Budanov. The position is expected to be handed over to a "more loyal figure to the authorities." This was reported on November 25 by NV, citing a source in the security sector.

It is noted that attempts to dismiss the head of the GUR may intensify in December. An unnamed source revealed that the process is primarily being lobbied by the head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, and the deputy chairman of the SBU, Oleksandr Poklad. The latter is allegedly being considered to replace Budanov in the role.

At the same time, a source on Bankova Street indicated that some public actions and statements made by the head of intelligence have harmed Ukraine. In particular, this refers to the special operation in Africa, comments about "coffee in Crimea," or defense procurements abroad.

"There is an objective reality and objectively wrong decisions. Should there be accountability for this? The President will decide," the source added.

The Office of the President did not provide an official comment to journalists. However, the SBU's press service denied the information regarding plans to appoint Poklad as the head of the GUR.

In the agency, it was noted that "information leaks concerning the deputy head of the SBU appear systematically once a month and have a similar style." They clarified that the theme of information warfare is quite broad — ranging from conspiracy theories and "sensations" regarding events at the front to personnel reshuffles and conflicts among officials.

"Such information leaks from Russian special services are entirely baseless and are used by the enemy solely to achieve its own goals. Rumors about the blocking of certain GUR units or other components of the Defense Forces are one of the elements of the enemy's strategy. In particular, to create artificial tension between the military leadership of our state," the service explained.

The SBU assured that the rumors are unfounded.

What position Budanov might take if he is indeed dismissed remains unknown. However, an unnamed representative from the security sector conveyed that the intelligence officer does not aspire to lead the Armed Forces and does not see himself as an ambassador.

Recall that at the end of September, reports emerged about a major personnel clean-up in the Ministry of Defense. According to media sources, two deputies of the GUR head were dismissed without warning to Kirill Budanov.

Shortly thereafter, information surfaced that Budanov was being considered for dismissal from intelligence and sent abroad as an ambassador. However, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov assured lawmakers that the issue of replacing the head of the GUR "is not under discussion".