Reuters: Wife of Head of Ukrainian Military Intelligence Poisoned with 'Heavy Metals'

Reuters reported, citing a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, that the wife of the head of this agency has been poisoned with 'heavy metals' and is currently being treated in a hospital. Marianna Budanova is the wife of Kyrylo Budanov, who has been leading the Ukrainian military intelligence since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has been involved in covert operations against Russian forces. Andriy Yusov, the spokesperson, confirmed this news to Reuters without specifying when the poisoning occurred. The Ukrainian service of the BBC also reported, citing Yusov, that several officials from the Ukrainian military intelligence have experienced milder symptoms of poisoning. Kyrylo Budanov is often referred to as the mastermind behind Ukraine's counteroffensive operations against Russia, gaining popularity both domestically and in the West, while Russian media portray him as a 'detestable' figure. The 37-year-old Budanov himself has been the target of multiple attacks, including a failed car bomb explosion. If the poisoning of his wife is confirmed to be intentional, it would represent the most serious targeting of a prominent Ukrainian official's family member in this two-month war. The poisoning of Marianna Budanova was first reported by Ukrainian media. The publication 'Babel' also cited an anonymous source stating that Budanova is hospitalized and completing treatment for the effects of poisoning. Another Ukrainian media outlet reported, citing another anonymous source, that the poison likely entered Mrs. Budanova's body through food. Moscow had previously held Ukrainian intelligence services responsible for the murder of a pro-war Russian blogger and a pro-war journalist on Russian soil, which Ukraine denied involvement in. Additionally, Russian media reported that a court in Moscow issued an absentia arrest warrant for Mr. Budanov in April on charges of terrorism. Putin significantly increased Russia's military budget. Britain: Ukraine's attacks have inflicted 'heavy casualties' on Russia. The White House: The Russian Wagner Group intends to supply military weapons to Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Zelensky's fight against corruption in Ukraine; two senior cyber defense officials were dismissed.