The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, suggested that NATO could collapse if the United States does not change its policy towards the Alliance. He considers this option one of the probable ones, if there are no drastic steps.
Russia plans to spend $1. 1 trillion on rearmament. The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that this is preparation for a war with NATO in 2030.
Kyrylo Budanov believes that Ukraine should prepare for life under a protracted threat, focusing on security models similar to those of Israel or South Korea. He denied the likelihood of a "Georgian scenario" for Ukraine, emphasizing the impossibility of returning towards Russia.
President Zelenskyy announced the preparation of a draft law to protect and rehabilitate Ukrainian soldiers after captivity. The assistance will cover illnesses acquired in captivity and will be equated to assistance for illnesses sustained during service.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that confiscated Russian assets should be used for the needs of peace. He emphasized the necessity of blocking Russia's war machine and its arms industry.
President Zelenskyy heard the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Budanov, on Ukrainian operations. There were also reports from the head of the SBU, Malyuk, and the Commander-in-Chief, Syrskyi.
Russia has depleted its vast stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons, leading to a reduction in supplies from military depots to the front lines to 2022 levels. The country is increasingly dependent on supplies from China, North Korea, and Iran to support its defense industry and army.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, commented on President Zelenskyy's signing of law No. 12414, which regulates the activities of NABU and SAP. He emphasized that Ukraine will be saved by a strong military and institutions, and internal contradictions should be resolved through open dialogue.
Russia plans to spend about 1. 1 trillion US dollars on rearmament by 2036, which is the largest program since the collapse of the USSR. According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence, Russia is mobilizing politics, economy, and society for a future war, creating new military districts and increasing its presence in Africa.
At the 29th meeting in the "Ramstein" format, partners announced key decisions regarding strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. The USA is initiating a new mechanism jointly with NATO for European countries to purchase American weapons, and the Netherlands is allocating 125 million euros for the maintenance of F-16 aircraft.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi held his first conversation with the new commander of NATO's Allied Joint Force Command Europe, Alex Grinkevich, receiving firm commitments regarding a new package of weapons for Ukraine. This happened after statements by Trump and Rutte about support.
US Presidential Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, during his visit to Kyiv, heard reports from the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi. Joint projects on localizing weapons production, sanctions against the Russian energy sector, and the operational situation were discussed.
Political scientist Oleksandr Kochetkov believes that Budanov shows signs of a potential statesman, speaking on topics usually discussed by the president or the head of the Presidential Office.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War predict that Russia will not be able to capture the entire Donetsk region by the end of 2025. This confirms the statement by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, about the unrealistic nature of such Kremlin plans.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that North Korea supplies Russia with up to 40% of ammunition for the war in Ukraine. Pyongyang also sends ballistic missiles and artillery systems, receiving money and technology from Russia.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that a truce in Ukraine could be reached long before the end of the year, and a ceasefire – in the coming months. This requires the participation of Ukraine, Russia, and the USA.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Russian troops have intensified their offensive, trying to break through the defense in the direction of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. According to him, the Russians intend to enter the oblast 10 km deep to create a buffer zone.
A survey by the sociological group "Rating" showed that, besides President Zelenskyy, Zaluzhnyi and Budanov enjoy the greatest trust among Ukrainians. Trust in Zaluzhnyi is 73%, in Zelenskyy – 67%, and in Budanov – 56%.
President Zelenskyy heard a report from HUR head Budanov regarding Russia's vulnerabilities and the prisoner exchange process. The implementation of agreements from the second meeting in Turkey for the release of Ukrainians was discussed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Roman Marchuk as Deputy Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. The corresponding decree was published on the website of the head of state.
The Head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, attempted to dismiss Kyrylo Budanov from his position as head of the HUR, which was the ninth attempt. He may also have been behind the promotion of a corruption case against Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and the probable appointment of Yulia Svyrydenko as Prime Minister, according to The Economist.
On July 4, a large-scale exchange of prisoners of war took place between Ukraine and Russia. Among those released are defenders of Mariupol, seriously ill and wounded, including medics.
On July 4, Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange, bringing back military personnel, including those from Mariupol, and civilians, most of whom had been in captivity since 2022. Among those released are seriously wounded, seriously ill, and those under 25 years old.
Russian occupiers launched experimental naval drones in the direction of the city of Pivdenne, Odesa region, but they detonated without reaching the territorial waters of Ukraine. The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, confirmed that the raid yielded no results.
In May, Ukraine returned to the Russian Federation citizens evacuated from the Kursk region. This happened as part of the return of civilians, without an exchange, as reported by Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.
Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov reported that Dnipro is threatened only by missile and drone attacks, rejecting the possibility of daily use of 400-500 Shahed drones. Currently, the village of Dachne remains under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russia helped North Korea establish the production of combat drones of the 'Shahed' type and is training their pilots. Russian instructors are working in Pyongyang and Wonsan, training operators of FPV and other strike UAVs.
Since the beginning of July 1, 112 combat engagements have been recorded on the front. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported numerous air strikes and shelling, as well as significant enemy losses in the Pokrovsk direction.
Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov reported an expected significant increase in North Korean citizens in the Russian Federation who will sign contracts as volunteers. This contingent could number 12,000 people, which will change the perception of the DPRK's participation in the war.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, stated that Russia does not depend on supplies from Iran, receiving mostly gunpowder. Russian production of kamikaze drones has already been established domestically.
