Kyryło Budanov: 38-year-old who made Moscow start to be afraid [OPINIA]
In the face of Russian aggression at Ukraine, Kyryło Budanov redefined the concept of resistance and moved the heroic fight of Ukraine to Moscow itself.
To appreciate the influence of Budanów, remember about the long struggle of Ukraine for sovereignty. Since the time of the Cossack uprisings of Bohdan Chmielnicki, Ukrainian leaders have fought for the definition and defense of the independence of their nation. However, no one had such an influence on the symbolic center of the Russian Empire as Budanov.
Appointed head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine (Hur) in 2020. [miał wtedy 34 lata]Budanov began to prepare for a war in which many still doubted the outbreak. Thanks to experience in special operations and survival of the attempts to attack him [w 2023 r. “The Washington Post” donosił o “co najmniej 10” nieudanych zamachach na jego życie]including bombs planted in his car in 2019, understood that the survival of Ukraine requires not only perseverance and resistance, but also prevention.
Under his command Ukraine carried out operations deeply in Russia. Air bases were burning, refineries broke out, and drones began to reach Moscow as early as 2023. Although Russia officially denied these reports, traces of surgery left no doubt: it was a Hur Budanowa job.
Chief of Military Intelligence Kyryło Budanow during the largest dog training competition in Ukraine, organized under the patronage of intelligence, Kiev, Ukraine, May 17, 2025.
The numbers that cause the Kremlin's fear
- In the years 2022–2025 over 130 confirmed sabotage acts took place in Russia's territory – railway lines were blown up, fuel magazines were set on fire and military centers were hit far behind the front line. What began with sporadic interference was transformed into a constant campaign of internal pressure.
- In 2023, the number of attacks of Ukrainian drones increased by 500 percent. And they became more and more bold. In May 2025, over 700 drones were launched in one wave, which reached many regions, including almost 100 near Moscow, where air defense was launched and airports were closed.
- Fear in the capital is no longer delicate. Think tanks and analysts have recorded a sharp increase in social unrest. Air alarms, a closed airspace and darkened streets have become part of everyday life in Moscow.
- The symbolic heart of Russian power was violated: on May 3, 2023, the drone exploded over the Palace of the Senate in the Kremlin, which was the first attack of this type since World War II. What once seemed unthinkable became a precedent. In the years 2024 and 2025 Ukraine continued the raids, testing the Russian air defense and sending a clear message: it is nowhere safe.
In 2025, the operations were expanded. Ukrainian drones attacked the Shahid Drone Factory in Jelabuga and the Chemical Plant in Ivanów.
In April, General Jarosław Moskal was murdered near Moscow, which is widely attributed to the Ukrainian intelligence. Russia has responded with the greatest drone attack so far, launching 355 drones and nine maneuvering shells during the night, which revealed both coverage [działań wojennych] Ukraine, as well as Russia's anxiety.
A new concept of war
Budanov realizes the new model of asymmetrical war. His campaigns using drones are more than military attacks – they are psychological blows of a scalpel, aimed at causing anxiety, provoking and unmasking. While Russia spends billions on anti -cancer defense, Ukraine uses consumer technology for a fraction of this amount, restoring balance thanks to ingenuity.
The presence of Budanów in the media is equally strategic. He rarely speaks, but when he does this, his tone is calm and authoritative, which gives him the image of a controlled person, strengthening the narrative of Ukraine about perseverance. In interviews, he becomes a tool of psychological war, calming allies and disturbing opponents.
It was the championship of both physical and perceptual fields that he brought him international recognition. On May 30, 2025, Polish President Andrzej Duda awarded Budanowa with the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit, one of the highest state decorations for foreigners. In the justification, his “unique contribution to Europe's security” and “unwavering attitude in defense of freedom” were praised.
International fame
No Ukrainian leader changed the strategic map so deeply. Chmielnicki united the Cossacks, the former secretary of the military affairs of Ukraine Symon Petlura defended sovereignty, [Stepan] Bandera inspired ideology and resistance [to opinia ukraińskiego historyka, w Polsce Bandera jest uważany za nacjonalistę i terrorystę, odpowiedzialnego za ludobójstwo polskiej ludności na Wołyniu]but none of them hit the infrastructure or Moscow's psyche. Budanow did both.
His operations are not devastating, they are declarative. Each attack sends a clear message: Ukraine not only resists, but also develops funds enabling an effective counterattack. It is a campaign based on both fire strength and a thoughtful strategy.
Budanowa reputation is currently beyond the country. The Polish decoration indicates a broader recognition of his role in shaping the new security architecture in Europe. His name is important from Kiev to Warsaw, from Berlin to Washington.
Echo in the Empire
Perhaps one day history will talk about Budanów not as a division general, but as a pioneer of the 21st century war, a commander who combined sabotage, symbolism and strategy to destroy the empire from the inside.
In the darkest hour of Ukraine, Kyryło Budanov made more than just resisted. He defined him again and made Moscow tremble.
Bohdan Cherniawski He is a military veteran, historian and writer dealing with the political history of Eastern Europe, intelligence and global healthcare in the conflict zones. He is the operational director of the Ukrainian American Freedom Foundation.
