Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his administration have become victims of their own propaganda.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Budanov stated that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is likely to persist as long as Putin's regime remains in power.
The Fallout of Russian Propaganda
the ironies of Russian self-perception fueled by state-led propaganda. "They overheated their society, claiming they were the most powerful in the world, and he (Putin) began to believe it himself. But it turned out that their army is not as powerful as they thought," he told The Washington Post.
Despite these missteps, Budanov acknowledged the notable resilience of Russian forces.
"Putin made a strategic mistake by starting the war. But the Russians recover quickly, and this is a fact that must be remembered. They have proven it dozens of times. We should not underestimate this characteristic," informed the head of the GUR.
The conversation with Budanov also touched on the broader implications of Putin's rule, suggesting that the war will endure as long as his regime does. "It may or may not change with the next regime, but there will be a window of opportunity," he added.
