The real Budanov: Zelenskyy’s new top aide on identity, Putin’s survival, and pizza habits

Budanov joined military intelligence in 2007, working in operational field assignments. He became head of HUR in 2020. Since then, his agency has carried out dozens of high-profile operations, including attacks on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, strikes on oil refineries and military targets in occupied Crimea. He has survived several assassination attempts, and his wife was poisoned with heavy metals.

Until recently, Budanov personally took part in HUR’s special operations — a recent photograph of him on the Zaporizhzhya front was widely circulated on social media.

Budanov believes in Ukraine’s victory and the eventual collapse of Russia, though he admits that outcome may not come quickly. In an interview with NV in the summer of 2024, he spoke openly about that and more. Here are some of his most notable quotes.

On assassination attempts

Budanov has survived multiple attempts on his life by Russian intelligence services. He seems to take it in stride.

“I enjoy all of this. It means we’re doing our job right. Now, if they suddenly stopped caring about me — that would be a problem,” he said.

On attempts to kill Putin

Asked if he was aware of efforts to assassinate Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Budanov was blunt: “There were some, but as you can see, they’ve failed so far too.”

On the destruction of Russia’s professional army

Discussing Russia’s military-industrial complex and its dwindling manpower, Budanov stressed that Russia’s biggest problem is the loss of its career military personnel.

“Let’s be honest: they lost their entire professional army by fall 2022. Now they’re fighting with mobilized troops, convicts — whoever they can,” he said.

On the Crimean Bridge

Destroying the Crimean Bridge is a matter of principle for Budanov. He argues the structure is more than just a logistics hub — it’s a symbol of Russian occupation.

“It’s a symbol, it’s psychological. It’s far more significant than destroying, say, a convoy with 60 wagons of equipment. There are thousands of those wagons. But there’s only one bridge,” he said.

“The bridge must be destroyed,” Budanov added.

On the desecration of Crimea

Explaining the strategic intent behind HUR’s operations in Crimea, Budanov said: “Everything we’re doing — besides routine strikes on logistics and railways — is aimed at desecrating Crimea’s image. We’ve forced Russia to pull its ships out of Crimea as far away as possible. To Ochamchire? Perfect!”

He added that Crimea is no longer an “unsinkable aircraft carrier” for Russia — now, it’s a liability.

On wars in history

Budanov describes Ukrainians as skilled warriors and backs it with a historical perspective.

“Do you think Ukraine can exist without fighting? If you look at our history — and it’s longer than Russia’s, let’s be honest — how many years have we not been at war?” he asked.

On Russians’ fear of losing Putin

Budanov recalled stories from his grandmother about the death of Joseph Stalin.

“She used to say people felt like their whole world had collapsed. They didn’t know how to live anymore. Putin’s been in power for over 20 years — so it’ll feel very similar. Right now, Russians are afraid to lose him, because he guarantees their sense of stability,” Budanov said.

On Ukrainian identity

One topic Budanov clearly cares about is the Russian narrative that Ukrainians are merely a “nation of farmers.” He strongly disagrees.

“First and foremost, we’re a warrior nation. But they pushed this idea on us — that we’re nobodies, serfs who dig around in their gardens. And yes, we’ve fought and will keep fighting, maybe for quite a while. But Ukraine’s future will be strong and exciting. It simply has to be,” he said.

On the inferiority complex

Budanov dislikes when Ukrainians put more weight on foreign expert opinions than on their own judgment.

“And what really annoys me are all these questions like: ‘Western experts said this, and you disagree…’ or ‘Who gave you permission to do that?’ This inferiority complex toward other countries is a red line for me,” he said.

On his wife

Budanov’s wife Marianna has stayed by his side despite the risks. She survived a poisoning with heavy metals and multiple missile attacks on HUR facilities.

“You know, my wife is here all the time. And she’s lived through not just the poisoning, but every single strike and missile attack,” he said.

On staying in shape

He said Marianna also keeps an eye on his diet.

“My wife watches my weight and limits my pizza,” Budanov said.

He added: “I run around our building — I’ve measured it, it’s about 700 meters. I do a few laps when I have time.”