Kyrylo Budanov
Ukraine has returned its defenders from Russian captivity. Among those released are defenders of Mariupol, the wounded, and those who are not yet 25 years old.
As part of the agreements in Istanbul, a prisoner exchange took place, the first group of soldiers under 25 was returned, including the defenders of Mariupol. Work is underway to repatriate the bodies of the dead.
Russia is manipulating the topic of exchange in order to disrupt the process and discredit Ukraine. The Russian Federation seeks to justify aggression by accusing Ukraine of disrupting agreements.
Ukraine is facing information pressure and attempts by Russia to dictate the terms of the exchange. The start of repatriation measures is scheduled for next week.
Intelligence reported on the increase of personnel by Russia, strikes on cities and weapons production. Ukraine needs investments in the defense industry, air defense equipment and long-range weapons.
Polish President Andrzej Duda awarded Kyrylo Budanov the Gold Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit to Poland. Vadym Skibitsky was also awarded the Knight's Cross.
Dmytro Lubinets gave advice on how to support former prisoners of war. It is important to show respect, empathy and adhere to psychological boundaries.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy called for an end to Soviet nostalgia, emphasizing that the collapse of the USSR was a moment of hope. Earlier, Putin's advisor stated that the USSR allegedly still exists from a legal point of view.
The Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed on a prisoner exchange in the "1000 for 1000" format at the talks in Istanbul. The exchange may take place as early as next week.
Former Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Illya Pavlenko spoke about innovations and modernization of intelligence. Budanov's team works around the clock, and the capabilities of Ukrainian intelligence are unique.
GUR presented the Magura series of naval drones for the first time, which are capable of destroying enemy ships and aircraft. With the help of drones, 15 targets were destroyed, including 2 Mi-8 helicopters and 2 Su-30 aircraft.
Russian occupiers use "Raptor", "Grachonok" type boats to patrol near Sevastopol and other locations in Crimea. They also involve helicopters, airplanes and drones for reconnaissance.
Commander of the 3rd Army Corps Biletskyi and head of the GUR Budanov may become important political figures after the war. Volunteer Prytula is already showing pre-election activity.
Representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Yevhen Yerin stated that the Black Sea is no longer safe for Russians. The Defence Forces continue to improve Magura drones, making them even more effective.
Ukrainian intelligence has for the first time destroyed two Su-30 fighters with AIM-9 missiles fired from Magura-7 unmanned boats in the Black Sea. This is the first time in history.
A representative of the GUR reported on the preparation of the next operations to return prisoners. Over 5 thousand have already been returned through exchanges and 500 outside of them, there are positive developments regarding the inclusion of the seriously wounded.
HUR representative Andriy Yusov said that the large pre-Easter exchange was prepared for a long time, deadlines were postponed. This was the 63rd exchange, 246 soldiers and 31 persons outside of it were returned; the condition is different, there are seriously ill.
Head of the GUR Budanov released a video of how soldiers released from captivity react to returning to Ukraine. Ombudsman Lubinets showed the conversation of a soldier with his mother: "Mom, I endured everything".
U. S. armed forces have detected Russian military aircraft in the Alaska defense zone. NORAD stated that these flights occur regularly.
U. S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg condemned the Russian strike on Sumy, where 32 people died. He emphasized that these were targeted attacks on civilian objects.
Russia struck Sumy with Iskander-M ballistic missiles. Budanov reported that this was done by calculations of the 112th and 448th missile brigades from the territory of Voronezh and Kursk regions.
The first public GRU platform for the selection of intelligence officers has been opened. Candidates will undergo testing and consultations, and the average passing rate is only 1 in 100.
According to the head of the HUR, russia will not significantly reduce the size of the army after the war, as this contradicts its defense strategy. A large budget will be released after the end of hostilities.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that during the war, it is not worth revealing the whole truth, as people's consciousness may not be ready for the harsh reality.
On the initiative of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence, the first mosque for Muslim soldiers "As-Salam" has been opened in Ukraine. Kyrylo Budanov thanked the soldiers for their courage and presented the mosque with collections of prayers.
Andriy Yermak stated that the issue of prisoner exchange is a priority. Ukraine emphasizes that the humanitarian track is no less important than the security one.
Telegram has reached 1 billion monthly active users, surpassing many competitors. Pavel Durov announced the independence and profitability of the messenger.
Russia has reached the maximum production of military goods and spends about $1 billion a day on the war. The budget of the Russian Federation for 2025 allocates a record 32.5% for defense.
The DIU chief believes that a ceasefire is possible in 2025, but doubts that a sustainable peace will be achieved. According to him, Russia's strategic goal for Ukraine remains unchanged.
The head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, said that attempts on his life were normal and did not need to be dramatized. Over the three years of war, the SBU has identified 102 enemy intelligence networks that planned assassinations of Ukraine's leadership.