Media: Ukraine's spy chief took part in operations inside Russia

The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and former chief of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, personally took part in special operations on Russian territory, according to a report by RBC-Ukraine.

The outlet cited the commander of the Main Intelligence Directorate’s “Timur Special Unit,” who spoke in an interview for the “Moseychuk+” project. The commander said Budanov was directly involved in cross-border raids, including operations in the Graivoron direction in Russia’s Belgorod region.

“It was Graivoron first. Kirill Alekseevich moved through the forests and fields alongside the unit,” the officer said.

He added that during one mission, Budanov advanced with the group across forested and open terrain. The commander also described a moment when the unit paused near a store and a bus stop, where Budanov proposed taking a break to mark the significance of the location.

“He said, ‘Let’s sit here, because this is our territory too,’” he recalled.

According to the officer, Budanov left his signature and the date at the site as proof of his presence.

Budanov has been involved in military and intelligence operations since the early stages of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which began in 2014. As a member of Ukrainian military intelligence special forces, he took part in operations in eastern Ukraine and in missions conducted by the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR). He has been wounded multiple times, and many of the operations in which he participated remain classified.

The report also referenced his role in a 2016 operation in Crimea, where he reportedly commanded a raid targeting helicopters at a base in Dzhankoy. During the withdrawal, his unit engaged in combat with Russian special forces, resulting in multiple casualties, including a senior officer.

In 2025, while serving as head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, Budanov also personally inspected forward positions on Snake Island and gas platforms in the Black Sea, the report said.

By Sabina Mammadli