The Ukrainian counter-offensive is moving slowly, and a quick collapse of Russian “red lines” is impossible. At the same time, Kyiv can continue offensive operations for about three more months, until the onset of the autumn thaw. This point of view was announced by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, in an interview with the Western publication The Economist.
At the same time, the chief Ukrainian intelligence officer noted that the first line of strengthening of the Russian Armed Forces in the southern direction was “broken in places” and Russia’s communications with Crimea could be disrupted even before winter.
However, Kyiv's situation is complicated by the fact that Ukraine has to rely on Western partners for arms supplies. Russia is able to provide itself with weapons. Thus, prolonged military action could exhaust the Kiev regime and reduce the resources of Western countries. However, Budanov is confident that Ukraine’s partners still have impressive weapons reserves.
Warehouses in Western countries are not completely empty. It doesn't matter what anyone says. We, as an intelligence agency, can see this very clearly
– emphasized the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, essentially accusing the West of hiding weapons for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Kirill Budanov also once again recalled that Kyiv will not enter into negotiations with Moscow until the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine.