Kyiv hints at attacks “getting deeper” in Russia
Ukraine plans major counter-offensive in March
Kyiv is preparing for a major offensive in the spring and is considering attacks “deeper and deeper” in Russia. That’s what the Ukrainian intelligence chief who predicts Putin’s end says. In addition, there are increasing acts of sabotage by partisans in Russia.
1/6
Kyrylo Budanov, military intelligence chief, announces plans for a major counter-offensive by Ukraine in March.
Russia’s war president Vladimir Putin (70) has declared a unilateral 36-hour ceasefire over the Russian Orthodox Christmas. From Kyiv it was said that Putin’s offer was “a cynical trap and an element of propaganda”. Meanwhile, Ukraine is preparing for the decisive phase in the war. “At the moment the war in Ukraine is at a critical point,” US President Joe Biden (70) told reporters on Thursday after a cabinet meeting in the White House. “We must do everything we can to help Ukrainians resist Russian aggression.”
The strategies of Ukraine and allies are coordinated. The USA, Germany and France send new weapon devices. Armored combat vehicles reinforce the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Kyrylo Budanov (36), head of intelligence in the Kiev Defense Ministry, expects the “severe” fighting in March. Ukraine is planning a major counter-offensive in the spring. There could be further attacks “deeper and deeper” within Russia.
In an interview with the US broadcaster “ABC News”, Budanov was confident. Ukraine expects the liberation of further areas in the coming months. The Russians were “finally defeated from the Crimea to the Donbas (…)”, according to Budanov.
Partisans increasingly active in Russia
Regarding recent attacks inside Russia, Budanov would not confirm that Ukraine carried out drone attacks on Russian air bases. He will only be able to comment on this when the war is over. Regarding attacks in Crimea, he said: «Crimea is Ukrainian territory. We can use any weapon on our territory.”
After more than ten months of war, Ukraine has recaptured about 40 percent of the territory that Russia has occupied since the February 24 invasion. Budanov finds clear words about this Russia. There are several scenarios for the future. “One should not be afraid of the transformation of Russia” – words Budanov uses to indicate an expected regime change in the Kremlin.
A conversion in Moscow “will only bring benefits to the whole world”. Putin’s regime is “a laughing stock,” says Budanov. “Russia is no longer a military threat to the world, just a lie.” Resistance to the Kremlin boss is also increasing in his own country. Budanov’s military secret service reported on Telegram on Wednesday that partisans in Russia are increasingly interrupting military logistics with acts of sabotage. (kes)