The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Ukraine's strikes on Russia's energy sector are a symmetrical response that affects Russia's export capabilities. He noted that the effect of these actions has no time limits and has already been reflected in the price of gasoline and Russia's export revenues, but it will not lead to a quick end to the war.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the current winter will likely be the most difficult for Ukraine, but the country will survive it. He noted that the Russians were counting on the maximum impact of strikes on energy infrastructure on society and Western partners.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, predicts that Ukraine will approach the possibility of a peace agreement with Russia in mid-February 2026. He also noted that Russia plans a full occupation of the Donetsk region in the spring of 2026, but "this is unrealistic."
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that internal unity is the main factor in Ukraine's ability to resist external threats. He emphasized that without unity, even significant external support would not help.
Historian Yaroslav Hrytsak named Zaluzhnyi, Biletskyi, and Budanov as possible successors to Zelenskyy. He noted that Ukraine is close to the risk of national collapse due to Russian advances, economic crisis, and a corruption scandal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the heads of the defense and security sector. The situation at the front, Russia's plans, and the internal situation in Russia were discussed.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard a report from the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov. Russian plans for the first half of 2026 and the geopolitical situation were discussed.
The heating season in Ukraine began on October 15 for the social sector and on October 28 for private households. The government allocated over UAH 1.5 billion to protect energy facilities and provided EUR 1.36 billion for gas procurement to prepare for winter.
Kyrylo Budanov personally led the HUR operation in Pokrovsk, refuting Putin's and Gerasimov's statements about the alleged "encirclement" and "capture" of the city. Two special forces groups were landed by Black Hawk helicopters behind enemy lines.
The information from the Russian Ministry of Defense about the elimination of 11 HUR fighters near Pokrovsk is not true. Ukrainian intelligence is conducting stabilization measures in the Pokrovsk area.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, reported that Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russia are focused on paralyzing oil production and refining, as well as on the Russian defense industry. This strategy is already showing noticeable results, in particular, Russia's almost complete exclusion from the gasoline export sector.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the Russians aim to cause a complete power outage in Ukraine. This is intended to create social discontent among the most vulnerable segments of the population.
Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk reported that the Russians shot down their own plane over temporarily occupied Crimea during a night drone attack. According to information, explosions were heard in Crimea and an oil depot was burning in Hvardiiske.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Ukrainian society should prepare for a constant threat in the coming years. He noted that this does not mean constant hostilities, but readiness to repel attacks must always be present.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries caused more damage to Russia's revenues than economic sanctions. He emphasized that sanctions are insufficient to change Russia's worldview.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that he does not regret the exchange of Viktor Medvedchuk for Ukrainian defenders in 2022. He emphasized that Medvedchuk was exchanged for modern heroes, and Medvedchuk himself is not valuable to Ukraine.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the amendments to the Russian law "On Defense" are "opening the door to hidden partial mobilization. " This is due to exorbitant losses and the need to compensate for them.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, believes that Russia will not expand the war to other countries now, but it is possible in a few years. He noted that he has a map with events that indicate this.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Russia has a significant reserve of economic strength to continue the war. However, Russians are already experiencing economic problems, although this is not yet a critical level.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are striking Russian oil refineries mainly with their own weapons. Domestic production has allowed the use of means as Ukraine sees fit.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Russia's true intentions are to intensify aggression, targeting EU and NATO countries. He emphasized that hybrid aggression against the West will intensify if the Kremlin is not decisively repelled.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Russia will expand hybrid aggression against the EU and NATO if it does not receive a decisive rebuff. He emphasized that Putin's goal is to continue and intensify aggression aimed at destabilizing internal political processes.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Britain, and formerly the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, likely intends to form a parliamentary list, despite the absence of official statements about his intention to run for president. Intelligence Online sources report that high-ranking military personnel and officials have received invitations.
Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov have the highest level of trust among Ukrainians. Zaluzhnyi is trusted by 44.5% of respondents, Budanov by 30.8%, while Zelenskyy by 25.6%.
Information about a conflict between the HUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Office of the President of Ukraine is not true. It was spread by Telegram channels to create a false impression of internal political tension.
US President's Special Representative Keith Kellogg met with the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov near a cat statue. Kellogg said that Ukrainians nicknamed him "the cat who brings a few nights of peace," as his visits coincide with a pause in Russian strikes.
On the eve of Military Intelligence Day, Kyrylo Budanov visited wounded intelligence officers at a Kyiv medical facility. He presented them with awards and spoke with them, expressing gratitude to the medics.
A meeting took place in Kyiv between the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and his British counterpart John Healey. The parties discussed the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, long-term support, and security guarantees.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine published data on "Uralvagonzavod"'s use of imported high-tech equipment. The manufacturer's dependence on Western technologies remains critical, despite sanctions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with the families of servicemen who died fighting on Russia's side and promised them "a wonderful life. " This happened amid reports of significant losses of North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region.
