After the successful counter-offensives in the Kharkiv and Cherson regions, Kyiv is working on a new military operation, according to intelligence chief Budanov. The 37-year-old expects intense fights next March. The secret service agent also expects further attacks on Russian territory.
According to the head of the Ukrainian military intelligence service, Kyrylo Budanov, Kyiv is planning a large-scale counter-offensive in the spring. "By that time we will see the liberation of more areas and inflict final defeats on the Russian Federation," Budanov said in an interview with ABC News. "This will happen across Ukraine, from Crimea to the Donbas." The aim is to return to the 1991 borders, "just as Ukraine was recognized by all subjects of international law," said Budanov. He expects the fighting to be "hottest" in March.
Budanov declined to comment on the December 26 explosion at the Engels air base in Russia. Only after the end of the war could he comment on this. However, he said there were likely to be more attacks on Russian territory. The 37-year-old was less reserved about attacks on the Crimean peninsula, which Russia had annexed in violation of international law. "Crimea is Ukrainian territory, we can use any weapon on our territory."
Budanov also said that Kyiv expects the delivery of US Bradley armored personnel carriers soon. "We're expecting them. We're really looking forward to seeing them. This will greatly increase the combat capability of our units." Bloomberg news agency reported last week that the US government is considering shipping Bradleys to Ukraine.
There are several scenarios for the future of Russia. But the message is clear: "One should not be afraid of the transformation of Russia. It will only bring benefits to the whole world," explained Budanov. Putin's regime "is a laughing stock for everyone". The Russian troops in Ukraine would mainly concentrate on holding the occupied territories - "and not for much longer". Russia is no longer a military threat to the world.
