Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov believes that if Russian President Vladimir Putin disappears, the hatred of Russians will continue to influence all decision-making for many years to come. He stated this at the Third International Forum on Strategic Communications Kyiv Stratcom Forum 2024, UNN reports with reference to the GUR.
It's a rhetorical question. Nothing will change quickly, I can tell you that. With drastic changes in Russia, their attitude to the world, their worldview cannot change drastically
He noted that Russians have become victims of their own propaganda. According to him, they recognize this themselves.
"Society is conditioned to hate the collective West and Ukraine. Even if a person appears now and says: "You know, we're stopping!", even if everything has stopped, this hatred will have a serious impact on all decision-making for many years to come, because they will all be based on the position that they are enemies," the head of the GUR said.
He also emphasized that Ukrainians will have the same attitude toward Russia.
"(Let's imagine) everything has stopped, Russia has apologized - who will believe Russia in a year? These are irreversible processes that have already taken place in society. It takes years and work," Budanov said.