Intel chief explains why he visits his GUR fighters in combat zones

The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, Kyrylo Budanov, said he often traveled to the hostility zones to be next to his soldiers and officers, including to encourage them on the battlefield.

He spoke in Dmytro Komarov’s documentary project, Ukrinform reports with reference to the defense intelligence press service.

Budanov elaborated in the film on the role of his scouts in the offensive operation across Kharkiv region.

According to the top spy, during the liberation of the area, he would travel in person to the combat zone to be alongside his forces.

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"Sometimes my presence is a must because we are all human beings. Sometimes people have this fear. And sometimes I find ways to cheer up my fighters," said Budanov.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, referring to a GUR MANPAD operators unit commander, call sign Liutyi, during one of the special operations, Budanov personally persuaded 19 Russian soldiers to surrender.