Rumors about Budanov’s dismissal continue to circulate

Rumors about Budanov’s dismissal continue to circulate

The clouds continue to gather over the head of DIU chief Budanov, whose possible dismissal is rumoured.

The company "Spetstechnoexport," recently removed from Budanov’s control by the Ministry of Defence, is facing issues with arms supplies and is purchasing them at inflated prices.

This information was revealed by journalist Tkach in his investigation dedicated to the state company.

According to his data, in 2024, the number of failed contracts for arms supplies and legal losses on refund claims became critical, and debts to the budget reached six billion hryvnias.

In early August, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine launched an audit of "Spetstechnoexport" due to accumulated debts. Meanwhile, according to Tkach, DIU representatives obstructed the audit, refusing to provide documents and access to closed systems.

"In fact, a division of the Ministry of Defence blocked its own ministry’s access to procurement information," comments the author of the investigation.

Additionally, it became known about inflated prices in contracts – specifically, mortar shells were purchased in India at 100 euros more per piece than on the global market. The company explained this by logistical complexities and supply routes (the purchase was made through the Czech Republic). At the same time, this contract was partially not fulfilled, even though the state had already paid 700 million hryvnias for it.

The authors also accuse "Spetstechnoexport" of overpaying 2000 euros per high-explosive projectile, with the purchase similarly made from India through the Czech Republic.

The head of "Spetstechnoexport," Oleksiy Petrov, rejected these accusations. He noted that comparing the cost of production of a Ukrainian manufacturer to a foreign one without considering logistical expenses and a chain of several intermediaries is manipulation.

Moreover, he stated that issues with the delivery of military cargo ordered by "Spetstechnoexport" intensified after the actions of the Houthis in the Red Sea began, coinciding with the period discussed in the investigation - 2023-2024.

It is worth noting that this investigation directly affects the head of the DIU Budanov, whose department oversaw the work of "Spetstechnoexport." It was released amid discussions about the possible dismissal of the military intelligence chief.

These are indirectly confirmed by Budanov’s "support group," which demands not to dismiss the DIU leader. A special petition was recorded by fans of major Ukrainian football clubs, including "Dynamo Kyiv," "Shakhtar," "Chornomorets," and others.

They stated that they express "absolute trust and support for Kyrylo Budanov." Also, fans, from whom several DIU units are formed, "sincerely believe that Budanov’s role as the head of the DIU is crucial today."