Russia believes if it does not withdraw from war by 2026, it will lose chance for world leadership – Budanov

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

“Yes, they (Russians – ed.) need a respite. Because, according to their strategy, if they do not withdraw from this war by 2026, they will lose even a chance at achieving global leadership. They will only claim a maximum level of regional leadership, which they are absolutely not satisfied with,” he said.

Budanov added that the financial cost of war is too high and it does not allow the country to develop large-scale projects. There is a lack of technology; Russia lacks technological solutions, primarily in the development of the Arctic regions, in gas production there, etc.

As reported, Budanov previously said that a day of war costs Russia almost $1 billion, and 41% of the country's budget goes to defense.