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Ukraine’s Intelligence Chief: “Men Say Too Much"—Ukraine’s Spy Tactics Go Beyond the Battlefield
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
![Photo of Tetiana Frolova]( "Photo of Tetiana Frolova")
Ukraine’s intelligence services are leveraging unconventional sources to gather critical information—sometimes far from the front lines.
In a recent interview, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, confirmed that operatives occasionally work with sex workers and escort models as part of broader efforts to access information otherwise out of reach.
“This method works on human weaknesses,” Budanov said. “Men often reveal things they shouldn’t—just to show how powerful they are.”
Budanov emphasized that such cooperation is voluntary and situational, involving individuals not bound by formal obligations. “No one is ever forced. But if someone is unmarried and understands the assignment—there’s no problem,” he noted.
The intelligence chief stated that this approach has, on several occasions, led to the acquisition of unique insights. “Some of our most valuable information has come through channels few would expect.”
Budanov also touched on agent recruitment tactics. Men, he said, are generally easier to recruit than women, who are “naturally more perceptive and quicker to understand what’s going on.” Operatives typically seek vulnerabilities—such as financial hardship, family health issues, or gambling addiction.
Still, trust remains limited. “You can never fully trust a recruited agent. The percentage of double agents is significant, and many work both sides equally well,” Budanov warned.
He noted that “sleeper agents ” usually become ineffective after about seven years, although rare cases last much longer. As for operatives whose missions have ended, many quietly transition to civilian life or take up roles in think tanks or business sectors.
While Ukraine’s intelligence operations remain largely classified, Budanov’s comments offer a glimpse into how modern espionage adapts to the realities of hybrid warfare—where not every operative wears a uniform, and not every battleground has borders.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence conducted a large-scale behind-the-lines operation near Sumy, reportedly killing over 330 Russian troops and wounding more than 550. Led by the “Timur” special unit, the mission targeted Russian logistics and supply routes, using helicopters, artillery, FPV drones, and close-quarters combat to halt enemy advances and destabilize Russian rear positions.
