The Russian occupation army currently lacks a strategic reserve, and Russia's resources for the war may run out in two to three years. This was stated by the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, in an interview with The Economist.
The head of Ukrainian military intelligence reported that Ukraine is currently preparing for Russian attacks on infrastructure objects expected during the autumn-winter period.
"Let them start. They will also receive a response," said Kyrylo Budanov.
The Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine also provided facts about the current situation of the Russian occupation army.
According to him, the first line of defense of the aggressor in the southern axis in Zaporizhzhia has already been breached in some places, and this is a cause for concern in the Kremlin.
The situation on the front lines has already forced Russia to deploy its insufficiently strong reserves, which the aggressor did not plan to use until the end of October.
"Contrary to what Russia declares, it has absolutely no strategic reserve," said Kyrylo Budanov.
For example, the 25th Russian General Army, which the aggressor prematurely deployed in the Lyman and Kupyansk regions, is staffed with personnel at only 80% and with equipment at 55%.
At the same time, Kyrylo Budanov acknowledged that the number of people Russia can mobilize for war remains the only obvious advantage of the aggressor.
"Human resources in Russia, so to speak, are unlimited. The quality is low, but the quantity is sufficient," said the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
According to Kyrylo Budanov's assessment, the Russian economy can only hold out until 2025, and the flow of weapons to the aggressor will be exhausted by 2026.
"If everything is fine, and Russia has enough resources, why are they looking for them all over the world?" explained the head of Ukrainian intelligence.
However, the risk of resource depletion is also relevant for Ukraine.
"We are dependent on external players, while Russia depends more on itself," Kyrylo Budanov said, adding that it is not yet clear how long the West can sustain a sufficient reserve of resources for Ukraine.
"Regardless of what anyone says, warehouses in Western countries are not completely empty. As intelligence, we see this very clearly," noted the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
