Ukraine proves Russia’s might “soap bubble” - top spy
That’s according to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, who spoke in an interview with Financial Times, Ukrinform reports, referring to the ministry’s press service.
Budanov outlined the enemy’s major weak points: Russia loses as many or even more people than it is able to recruit; the aggressor spends more weapons and ammunition than they can produce; Moscow has faced a challenge of properly controlling the quality of weapons.
According to the defense intelligence chief, problems with ammunition forced the Kremlin to seek supplies from other countries.
"Those did hand over a significant amount of artillery rounds. This allowed Russia to catch some breath. Without that help, the situation [for the Russian Federation] would be catastrophic," Budanov said.
He added that the need to import munitions affects Moscow as Russia would prefer not to rely on foreign aid in the ongoing war.
“They have always considered this to be something beyond their dignity; this is humiliating to them," explained the head of defense intelligence.
He also noted that Russia replenishes personnel losses not only due to military draft but also through employing mercenaries from various “private military companies”.
In this context, Budanov denied that the Wagner Group had in fact ceased to exist. Also, there is currently no definitive answer regarding the actual fate of the group’s founder and mastermind Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is formally believed to have died in a plane crash over Russia.
“I'm not saying he's not dead or that he's dead. I say that there is no proof of his death," Budanov emphasized.
The GUR agency also noted that, while wrapping up the interview, Budanov chose not to make any predictions for the war year 2024, while expressing restrained optimism.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, Budanov said in an interview with Financial Times that Ukraine would continue to target Russia’s logistical infrastructure in occupied Crimea.
