Main points
- Marianna Budanova, wife of the head of the OP, Kyrylo Budanov, is a psychologist by education.
- There was an assassination attempt on Marianna Budanova, they wanted to poison her.
Marianna Budanova and Kirill Budanov / Channel 24 Collage
On Valentine's Day, when we talk about love, support, and partnership, special attention is drawn to the stories of couples who stay together despite everything. One such couple is Kirill Budanov and his wife Marianna.
The life of Kirill Budanov, the former head of the State Security Service and today the head of the President's Office, remains largely out of the public eye. But throughout his long military career, and since his second marriage in 2013, his wife Marianna has been by his side. In the material of Channel 24 , find out what Budanov's current wife looks like and what is known about the couple.
Marianna Budanova is a psychologist by training. From 2015 to 2017, she volunteered at the Main Military Hospital. The woman first went there when she was visiting her husband after he was injured – and decided to stay.
Marianna Budanova was also an advisor to the mayor of Kyiv on corruption prevention issues, and also ran for deputy from Klitschko's Udar party.
Marianna Budanova / Photo by Elle
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Marianna Budanova did not even think about leaving the country – she decided to stay with her husband. As the head of the OP said, the couple were almost always close.
My happiness is always with me because my wife lives with me in the office,
– Budanov said.
However, the couple rarely talks about military operations or any topics that are classified as classified or state secrets.
“I never interfere in his work, but if he needs my help or advice on some issue, I always willingly try to help. Sometimes I am one of the first to learn about the successful completion of a task, but only after it is completed,” said Budanov's wife.
Kirill Budanov with his wife / Photo from social networks
Marianna Budanova admitted that for her, as a military wife, stress resistance is the norm. She adapts quickly and knows how to adjust to any circumstances.
On November 28, 2023, it became known that there had been an assassination attempt on Budanov's wife – they wanted to poison her with mercury and arsenic. When the information appeared in the media, Marianna had already completed the course of treatment.
Marianna Budanova / Photo by Elle
The couple has their own little traditions and romance even in wartime.
One of the most romantic moments during this difficult period was probably on my birthday, in the first weeks of the invasion. Of course, it wasn't the time to celebrate then. Everything was closed. It was difficult to buy anything. And my husband made me a card with his own hands and gave it to me when I first woke up,
– said Marianne.
The Budanov family is also a parishioner of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Whenever possible, they go to church.
Kirill Budanov with his wife / Photo The Observers UA
In difficult moments, Kirill and Marianna always support each other with hugs or warm words. They try to live in the moment and appreciate those around them.