German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Putin aims to restore the former Soviet Union territorially. He emphasized the need to strengthen Franco-German cooperation to move Europe forward.
Blogger Yevhen Prokopyshyn considers Kyrylo Budanov the leader among military personnel in the “TOP-100 Influential Ukrainians 2025” ranking. He emphasizes that Budanov enjoys a high level of public trust and is politically ready.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal discussed with US President's Special Representative Keith Kellogg preparations for signing an agreement on the production and supply of drones. The parties also discussed Ukraine's defense priorities and security guarantees.
Kyrylo Budanov considers Ukraine's cooperation with the USA decisive for victory over Russia. He emphasizes that cooperation with Washington is key to deterring the aggressor.
The head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, met with James Temerty and representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora. The parties discussed new areas of support for Ukraine's military intelligence.
Kyrylo Budanov stated that Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea have experience in conducting modern warfare on a wide front. North Korea is gaining unique combat experience, but its troops are suffering significant losses.
North Korea plans to transfer 6,000 military personnel and up to a hundred units of equipment, including tanks, to Russia. Russia is financing the participation of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine.
Budanov called on Ukrainians for unity and reminded them that the fight against the aggressor continues on land, in the air, and at sea, regardless of any statements, no matter where they come from.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, inspected the positions of the special forces unit on Snake Island and gas production platforms in the Black Sea. He held a meeting with officers and honored the memory of fallen soldiers.
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a Colombian presidential candidate, died two months after being shot during a campaign speech. The 39-year-old politician recently underwent several operations, but his condition worsened.
The head of intelligence, Budanov, reported that the effective period of an agent's activity is limited to seven years. He also noted that men are easier to recruit than women.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that it is easier to recruit men than women, who are more cunning. He also noted that during recruitment, vulnerabilities in a person's life are sought, including financial problems or addictions.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that he sees no problem with an intelligence officer having sex with a prostitute if it is necessary for the mission. He emphasized that there is nothing forbidden if it is needed to achieve the goal.
The head of the HUR, Kyrylo Budanov, reported that about 1,500 women serve in intelligence. Their number is significantly increasing in both operational and combat units.
The head of the HUR, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that intelligence very rarely coordinates operations with partners. This happens only when actions can strategically affect geopolitical interests.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the dictator of Belarus would not agree to provide a corridor for Russians to Ukraine at the moment. However, he recalled the events of 2022, urging to be ready for anything.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that he had not received any offers to take the position of commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He noted that he is used to working in military intelligence.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Putin's health is worse than the Russian system, but his departure will not lead to changes. Russia's system is strong, and his successor will remain in the same paradigm, as everything is calculated.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that there have been about 20 assassination attempts on him. He does not condemn his enemies for trying to retaliate in kind.
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.
