The absence of Ukraine’s Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent briefing has fueled rumors that he may soon be dismissed.

Axar.az reports that the Ukrainian outlet Strana published the information.

On October 31, Zelensky held a meeting attended by journalists. He sat at the same table as Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Security Service head Vasyl Malyuk. However, Budanov was not among them, prompting social media users to speculate about tensions between the intelligence chief and Zelensky.

It is noted that similar rumors have surfaced before, allegedly due to Budanov’s political ambitions — including speculation that he may run for president.