Kyrylo Budanov casually acknowledged that Ukraine’s military intelligence can tap into top-level Kremlin conversations, hinting at wider espionage capabilities.

08/12/2025

**2 minute read

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry. Kyiv, 23 February 2024. Screenshot: YouTube/Espreso

“That’s what we get paid for”: Ukraine’s spy chief confirms ability to eavesdrop on Kremlin’s inner circle

Chief of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) Kyrylo Budanov stated that Ukrainian military intelligence is capable of intercepting conversations of high-ranking Kremlin officials.

His remark comes after several Western outlets reported that Ukraine may have leaked recordings of conversations between top allies of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Budanov confirms HUR can tap Kremlin elites

During a brief exchange with an RBC-Ukraine correspondent, Budanov gave a short but direct confirmation of the HUR’s capability.

“We can, yes. That’s what we get paid for,” he reportedly said.

The comment followed Western media reports claiming Ukraine may have earlier leaked a recording of a conversation between Putin adviser Yuri Ushakov and envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Ukraine didn’t confirm that it was behind the leak.

Previously, Budanov said Russia hopes the threat of destroying Ukraine’s energy system will push Kyiv into peace talks on Russian terms. He added that this is a limited influence factor, which is why Russia is rushing with its “proposals.”

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• HUR
• intercepted communications
• Kirill Dmitriev
• Kyiv
• Kyrylo Budanov
• leaked Kremlin recordings
• main
• Main Directorate of Intelligence
• peace negotiations
• Ukrainian military intelligence
• Yuri Ushakov

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