The wife of Ukraine’s spy chief Kyrylo Budanov has been diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning, Ukrainian news outlet Babel reported on Tuesday.
According to Babel’s sources, substances found in Marianna Budanova’s system were “in no way used in daily life or military activity” and their presence may indicate a “deliberate attempt to poison somebody”.
Although the date of Budanova’s hospitalisation is unknown, Babel said that she was just finishing a course of treatment, after which she would be assessed by doctors. An attempted murder investigation has been opened.
Several Ukrainian intelligence officers have also suffered heavy metal poisoning, according to Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources in the security forces.
“The poisoning showed up faster in Budanov’s wife as she is smaller and weighs less. It has now been confirmed in several officers too. They’re big guys and didn’t notice anything. They are now also being treated,” the source said, adding that Budanova’s food may have been poisoned.
