The wife of Ukraine's intelligence chief has been diagnosed with heavy metals poisoning and is undergoing treatment in hospital, it emerged yesterday. Meanwhile, deadly winter weather has hit the front lines of the conflict with Russia.
Marianna Budanova is the wife of Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency known by its local acronym GUR. Her condition was confirmed by Andriy Yusov, the agency’s spokesperson. He did not provide more details about the alleged poisoning, nor did he say if it was believed to have been intended for Mr Budanov or whether Russia was thought to be behind it.
Earlier this year, he told Ukrainian media that the military intelligence chief had survived 10 assassination attempts carried out by the Russian state or federal security services. There was no immediate comment from the Russian government, which has long been suspected of poisoning opponents.
This story is from the November 29, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 29, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Stop buying clothes now!
As fashion campaigners demand 'degrowth' for an industry responsible for 10 per cent of global pollution, Helen Coffey talks to designers and activists about how, with 100 billion garments made every year, we risk shopping till we drop
The inspiration at heart of Slot and Guardiola's rivalry
Liverpool and Man City bosses set to meet for the first time
Has Bethell's Test cricket baptism come too soon?
Jacob Bethell, 21, has been thrust into England side based on potential. Could the risk backfire, asks Cameron Ponsonby
Resurgent Arsenal thrash Hammers in giddy goal fest
Arsenal plundered another hatful of goals at West Ham as they climbed up to second in the Premier League with a frenetic 5-2 victory.
Defensive Lionesses cancel USA in tactical stalemate
Another night of learning for England and Sarina Wiegman, even if the only fireworks produced from the visit of Emma Hayes and the United States were those in the pre-match light show at Wembley.
Grandmother lost savings and her business after being wrongly charged with fraud
Krista Brown receives 'unreserved' apology after seven-year ordeal at hands of Crown Prosecution Service and HMRC
Indian women are being 'controlled' by forest drones
Researchers say wildlife cameras are used to harass them
Rebels seize control of Aleppo in blow to Assad
Thousands of opposition forces took control of Syria’s second city Aleppo and its airport in a shock assault that marked their largest advance and the biggest challenge facing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in years.
Ukraine could use a Trump peace deal to buy some time
After Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine, Western leaders repeated constantly that they would stand behind Kyiv \"as long as it takes\", first as Ukraine struck back, then as Russia counterattacked.
Zelensky's plan for peace a 'major concession' to Putin
UK's former ambassador to Russia praises Ukraine president