The head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), Kyrylo Budanov, said that Ukraine is not going to give up and is ready for decisive action.
Budanov assessed the situation at the front as of January 2024
In a new interview with Le Monde, the Ukrainian intelligence chief summed up the results of 2023, assessed the current situation of the Russian army, and named factors that could dramatically change the situation on the battlefield.
According to Kyrylo Budanov, the massive missile attacks by the Russian Federation can be explained by the Kremlin's desire to declare 2023 a "victorious year".
However, what is important to understand is that the Russian army failed to achieve real military success.
The head of the DIU also drew attention to the shortcomings of Russian missiles. It is no secret that they often miss.
Ukraine responds to every enemy strike with a powerful response, attacking enemy military targets.
Compared to previous years, since the end of summer 2023, we have seen an increase in the number of ammunition produced by Russia. At the same time, we note a decline in the quality of these shells.
Drones and mines are changing the course of the Russian-Ukrainian war
According to Kyrylo Budanov, the active use of drones by both sides has made it impossible for both Russian and Ukrainian offensive operations to take place.
Another important factor is the density of minefields, which has not been seen since the Second World War.
We have a solution for drones — electronic countermeasures. Mines require specialised equipment.
Ukraine has won a victory in the Black Sea
The head of the DIU also recalls that the northern part of the Black Sea is currently under Ukraine's control, as are gas production platforms.
It is also noted that the maritime export corridors, which are very important for our economy, are functioning again, despite the risks.
We regularly attack the enemy's navy and port facilities, so the Russians had to move everything to the southeast in a hurry. They are trying to establish a naval base in Ochamchire on the occupied territory of Georgia.
As mentioned earlier, last year, the DIU managed to land on the territory of the temporarily occupied Crimea, despite the fact that many people thought such operations were impossible.
Russia's economy can continue to function amid the war for a long time
According to Kyrylo Budanov, everyone was convinced that Russia had a strong army but a weak economy. However, the opposite is true. The army is weak.
The economy (of RF — ed.) may be weak, but the country is not starving. At this rate, it can hold out for quite a while. Current Western sanctions are not enough. They should have affected the main sectors of Russia's economy: energy, metallurgy and the financial system as a whole.
What can turn the tide at the front
The head of the DIU emphasises that our army needs more shells and artillery systems.
According to Kyrylo Budanov, it's not just about modern technology.
We are interested in everything, including old systems that are no longer in use. The issue of quantity is important... Those abroad who think they are "tired" of Ukraine will have to take care of the Muscovites when they come to occupy their own territories.
