Budanov lights first candle of Jewish Hanukkah
Budanov lit the Hanukkah candle. Photo: Asman's Facebook
On December 15, 2025, the head of the Defence Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, together with the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Reuven Asman, took part in a Jewish ceremony of lighting a Hanukkah candle. This was reported by Rabbi Asman on his Facebook page.
“I had the honor of lighting the first Hanukkah candle together with the Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Lieutenant General, Hero of Ukraine – Kyrylo Oleksiiovych Budanov! During the lighting of the Hanukkiah, we offered a special prayer for all the Defenders of Ukraine, asking the Almighty to protect them and to grant a true and just Peace!” the rabbi wrote.
He did not specify where exactly the ceremony took place.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Budanov had celebrated Purim together with members of the Jewish community.
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