KYIV, Ukraine: The wife of the head of Ukraine's military intelligence unit is suffering from heavy metals poisoning after a suspected assassination attempt, according to a media report confirmed to AFP by an intelligence source.
Ukraine's Babel news site reported on Tuesday that Marianna Budanova, the wife of Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's GUR military intelligence directorate, was being treated in hospital after a suspected poisoning attack.
Citing unnamed intelligence sources, Babel said Kyiv had opened an investigation into what it described as "attempted murder".
A source speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP the report was accurate, adding that Budanova had been poisoned and was receiving treatment, but declined to give further details.
Babel reported that the substances found in her body "are not used in normal life or military affairs".
"Their presence may indicate a deliberate poisoning attempt," it said.
It also said "several" other GUR employees were being treated for suspected poisoning.
Budanova, who is an adviser to Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko, was reportedly hospitalised after her condition deteriorated and has already undergone a course of treatment.
Law enforcement officials believe the poison was administered through her food, the Ukrainska Pravda news site reported.
Assassinations are not unheard of in the Ukraine war.
Several pro-Russian officials and supporters of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine have been assassinated since Russia launched its full-scale assault on Ukraine last February.
Officials also say they have foiled "more than 10" assassination attempts on Budanov throughout his career.
His influential military intelligence unit is considered responsible for several sabotage attacks against Russia that have taken place behind the frontlines.
Moscow has accused the GUR of being behind the October 2022 explosions on the Kerch bridge, which links Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula.
Budanov said in August that his wife had been living with him "in his office" and had not left his side since the start of the invasion for security purposes. --AFP