Editorial
yesterday the news of the alleged poisoning of the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kirilo Budanov, and of his wife Marianna, apparently hit “with heavy metals. Ukraine's Defense Ministry said such substances are not commonly used in daily life or military affairs, suggesting possible intentional poisoning. Ukrainian officials have pointed to Russia as the main suspect, as Budanov is among the figures most opposed by Moscow, accused of sabotage and murder.
Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andrii Yusov confirmed that some intelligence officials were also poisoned. The main hypothesis remains Russian involvement, as Russia has previously been implicated in attempts to eliminate adversaries using similar methods. Budanov's wife, poisoned "most likely with food", appears to be improving and is not in danger of dying.
There would be an ongoing intelligence war, with Budanov seen as a prime target for Russia. The situation is intertwined with the conflict in Ukraine, where tensions persist and bombs continue to strike. The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, warns of the possibility of an increase in fighting, underlining the importance of Western arms supplies and aid.
At the same time, tensions are brewing between Russia and Finland, with Helsinki temporarily closing its last border crossing with Russia due to an alleged anomalous influx of migrants that authorities consider to be a hybrid attack by Moscow. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated, especially after Finland's membership in NATO.
Finally, in Moscow, an American journalist, Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal, detained in Russia on charges of espionage, will have his detention extended until January 30th. This move represents a further element in the growing tensions between Russia and the United States.
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