The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, hopes that the illegally constructed Crimean (Kerch) Bridge by Russian forces will be dismantled this year.

He made the statement during a national telethon.

"He has no reason to exist; he should cease to exist," commented the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate in response to the hosts' question about whether this hostile object will collapse this year.

When asked if this bridge would cease to exist in 2024, Budanov replied, "I hope so."

The head of military intelligence also assessed the likely reaction of Vladimir Putin to such a development. He addressed the question of whether the Kremlin leader would be ready to accept the loss of the Kerch Bridge and whether he might resort to nuclear weapons.

"Who cares if he is ready or not? There is an objective reality. Do you think that if they had asked him on February 24, 2022, whether he was ready to wage war for several years, he would have said, 'Oh no, are you kidding?' But there is an objective reality. Unpleasant things, unfortunately, happen to both sides," expressed Budanov.

He also urged not to dramatize the situation, stating,

"The fact that it will be painful (for Putin) is probable. To say that he will be seized by a 'fit' is not true," Budanov concluded.