The head of Ukraine’s intelligence service says that Ukraine expects Russia to intensify its offensive in the near future.
“We expect Russian offensive actions to intensify in late spring and early summer, especially in the Donbas region,” Budanov said.
“Russian Armed Forces will move a little bit towards Chasiv Yar. They will move toward the city of Pokrovsk, in the strategic direction of Pokrovsk [43 miles west of Donetsk].”
Read also: Russia may be preparing new offensive this summer – report
However, he does not expect any major changes on the frontline before the start of a new Russian offensive.
“The situation is quite complicated, but it is under control,” said the HUR chief.
Unlike many other military experts, Budanov also believes that a new Ukrainian offensive is possible this year. However, he did not speak on this topic any further, noting that the responsibility for these plans lies with the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
Ukraine now needs “additional volumes of artillery systems and ammunition,” said Budanov.
Read also: Military expert on Russia’s potential summer offensive in Ukraine
He commented on the Czech initiative to search for and purchase ammunition for Ukraine, which has been joined by many European countries to purchase hundreds of thousands of shells. HUR cheif says that he does not “feel” their (artillery shells) presence at the front yet.
He adds that without constant support, Ukraine will have a “catastrophically difficult time.”
Budanov expects the defense industry in Europe to grow significantly this year. He hopes that the EU will compensate lack of aid from the US.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Section: Nation
Author: Владислав Литнарович
