He bases this perspective on comprehensive data analysis, particularly regarding the adversary. Budanov has refuted the idea of a prolonged war: “I don't endorse the assumption that this will be a long war. This is my personal opinion, based on the analysis of the data we have, first of all, concerning the enemy,” Kyrylo Budanov said according to Interfax-Ukraine.
Budanov further commented on the state of the Russian military, suggesting that their ability to sustain prolonged operations is limited.
“The professional army in the general sense ended last fall, they fight mobilized. This is also an obvious fact. Production of new types of weapons and equipment is insufficient. What they declare and try to show is not true,” he elaborated.
Vadym Skibitskyi, the Deputy Chief of Defense Intelligence, provided details on the Russian military presence in the region. He revealed that Russia has positioned over 420,000 soldiers in the areas of Ukraine they currently occupy, including the Crimean Peninsula.
This figure excludes the Russian National Guard, other specialized units, and various Russian security forces that back the occupying authority in these regions.
In addition to the troop numbers, Skibitskyi disclosed that Russia has stationed 46 Iskander missile complex launchers along the Ukrainian border. He emphasized the threat posed by these missile systems.
Recent incidents have further escalated tensions in the region. Reports from Kyiv indicate 30 combat confrontations at the frontline, with Russia initiating two missile strikes and 40 aerial bombardments. Additionally, Ukraine reported that 32 Russian drones targeted Kyiv in a nocturnal assault, with 25 of them being downed.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has also weighed in on the situation, pointing out that Russian air dominance is hindering counteroffensive efforts.
