The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, said that he is fundamentally opposed to any territorial concessions to Russia in exchange for peace, even if it involves financial aid for reconstruction. He said this in an interview with LB.ua.
Commenting on possible agreements between the US and Russia, Budanov said that, according to information available to the Main Intelligence Directorate, the parties are discussing joint development of the Arctic shelf. According to him, Russia has significant natural resources but does not have sufficient technology to extract them.
Budanov also confirmed that North Korea’s role in the war against Ukraine has not diminished. According to him, the DPRK continues to supply ammunition to Russia, and there are about 8,500 special forces soldiers on its territory who are not involved in open combat operations but are involved in artillery strikes and working with drones as part of an exchange of experience. Another thousand North Korean soldiers are stationed in the Kursk region.
Assessing the threats to Europe, the head of the GUR stated that Russia has adjusted its plans and may be ready for direct aggression against the Baltic states as early as 2027, whereas previously the talk was of 2030. Poland, according to him, is currently being considered by Russia as a target for strikes without subsequent occupation.
Budanov also emphasized Ukraine’s critical dependence on the United States for satellite intelligence and early warning of ballistic threats. At the same time, he noted that the termination of free access to some intelligence data would not be fatal, but the blocking of commercial contracts with American companies would be critical.
Speaking about internal problems, the head of the GUR called Ukraine’s biggest mistake a failed media campaign, which, according to him, significantly affected the mobilization process. When asked about possible participation in the presidential election, Budanov replied that he had not yet considered such a scenario.