Former Defense Intelligence chief points to spymaster Budanov's mistakes amid dismissal rumors

"Regarding mistakes. Were there any made by Budanov?" Kondratiuk said.

“I think it's more appropriate to ask whether the HUR functioned fully in the right field under those conditions. Of course, it did not. I can explain why. Because our state mechanisms are so slow that they simply cannot keep up with modern challenges.”

The former spymaster stated that in such a situation, leaders like Budanov take responsibility upon themselves and "most things are done based on the commander's ability to make decisions."

"Due to this vacuum of responsibility, the HUR has performed functions uncharacteristic of it during these years of war," said Kondratiuk.

“But why? Because someone had to perform them, someone had to do these things. And it is precisely because of this that opponents (of Budanov, supporters of his dismissal — ed.), who today appeal to such things, do not understand that Budanov and the HUR are, in essence, a fusion of Budanov and the entire collective, the military brotherhood that is based on the authority of Kyrylo Oleksiyovych today.”

Budanov's media presence and publicity were not a problem until his trust rating became an issue, he added.

Budanov is "precisely the personality who not only made mistakes but also made a breakthrough," the former spy chief noted.

"I think in this case, everything is based on authority," Kondratiuk added.

“When Budanov, together with [HUR subordinates], acting perhaps a bit recklessly, perhaps a bit independently of the risks, personally participates in combat operations, he unites [people around him] and because of this enjoys respect. And then people really carry out tasks with risk to their lives. Today, people say that there were huge losses in the HUR. Yes, there really are some. And I think that if the new leader simply does not make painful military decisions, there will indeed be fewer losses, but the results will also be significantly scarcer.”