Vladimir Putin’s forces are set for “exhaustion” in Ukraine if the country launches another counter-offensive, an army spy chief has suggested.
Ukraine is currently defending itself from Russian advances on its territory following its first notable offensive in 2023, with its forces having focussed on local “active defence” in recent months.
Kyrylo Budanov, the head of GUR, Ukraine’s main directorate of intelligence, said the latest tactic is a response to Russia taking its “turn” on the battlefield.
He pledged that Ukraine would ultimately seize the initiative again once Putin’s forces have finished their current volley.
But, this time, he pledged that Ukrainian troops would leave the invading forces “completely exhausted”.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Mr Budanov said Ukraine may launch a new counter-offensive by “early spring” this year, making its move as Russia’s current offensive wears down.
He said: “We make a move, the enemy makes a move. Now is the enemy’s turn. It will end, and then ours will start.”
The spy chief claimed Russia is presently focussing its attacks on Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut and Avdiivka as it aims to conquer unoccupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Moscow’s forces have only made limited advances and are “not even close” to attaining their objectives, the chief added, and Ukraine continues to pummel Russia while on the defensive.
Earlier today, the country claimed to have carried out a successful drone attack on a Russian oil facility.
A military intelligence source told AFP Ukraine was able to hit a facility deep within Russian territory, adding the operation was undertaken by the GUR.
The source told the publication the target in question was being used by Russia for “military purposes”.
The attack is one of several carried out by Ukraine recently, as the country targets Russian oil and gas facilities.
Officials have claimed the attacks are “fair” retaliation to Russian raids on its energy infrastructure.
Russia has hammered Ukrainian energy sites, at one point in October 2022 hitting 30 percent of the country’s infrastructure, with drones and missiles having been used to ensure no thermal or hydropower plant has been left untouched.
