Budanov Mocks Russia's Third In-Absentia Arrest Warrant Against Him

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), reacted with characteristic humor Tuesday after Russia announced a third in-absentia criminal case and arrest warrant against him.

Budanov posted on social media: "Russia has issued yet another arrest warrant against me. I'm beginning to think they miss me." The post was widely shared and praised for its tone.

Russia has now filed three separate in-absentia criminal charges against Budanov since the beginning of the full-scale war in 2022, each time on charges related to his leadership of Ukrainian military intelligence operations targeting Russian forces, officials, and infrastructure.

Budanov has become one of the most prominent figures in the war, known publicly for orchestrating Ukrainian deep-strike operations, including the recent drone attacks on Russian territory. His name has been connected to numerous operations inside Russia itself, including several high-profile sabotage missions.

The new warrant adds to a growing list of Ukrainian officials against whom Russia has filed charges, including President Zelensky and numerous military commanders. Ukraine and its allies regard all such proceedings as politically motivated propaganda.