Kyrylo Budanov

Kyrylo Budanov is a Ukrainian military leader, lieutenant general, and head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine since 2020. Born on January 4, 1986, in Kyiv, he graduated from the Odessa Institute of Ground Forces in 2007 and began serving in special units of the Main Intelligence Directorate. Since 2014, he has been actively involved in combat operations in the Donbas, sustaining several injuries, one of which was severe. In 2016, he conducted a special operation in Armyansk on the occupied territory of Crimea. In 2020, he was appointed head of the Main Intelligence Directorate. Budanov is known for his accurate forecasts regarding Russia's actions and his active role in Ukraine's defense during the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. He has been awarded the Orders of Courage of the I, II, and III degrees, as well as the title "Hero of Ukraine" with the "Golden Star" order.