The Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, reported Russia’s plans to spend about $1.1 trillion on rearmament by 2036, which is expected to be the largest armament program since the collapse of the USSR, the agency’s Telegram channel reported on Tuesday.
“A total mobilization of Russia’s politics, economy, and society is underway in preparation for a future large-scale war,” Budanov said during a panel discussion at the annual conference of Ukrainian ambassadors titled “Intelligence, Security, Diplomacy: A Joint Strategy for Victory.”
According to him, as part of the military reform in Russia, two new military districts have already been created, and the formation of new divisions, units, and military parts is planned.
“Russia seeks to destroy the current security and economic order. To this end, Moscow is increasing its presence in Africa, primarily using its proxy forces: the PMC Wagner and the African Corps, as well as supporting authoritarian regimes and terrorist organizations worldwide,” Budanov said.
He also noted that the Russians are trying to conduct hybrid information and cyber operations on the territories of other states, interfering in the civilized democratic process through controlled media and opinion leaders.
“Moscow aims to impose its own vision of the future world order on countries, where great powers, primarily Russia, hold all the power, monopolize all critical resources, and decide the fate of the world in a closed circle,” emphasized the head of Main Intelligence Directorate.
During the event, Budanov thanked the Ukrainian diplomatic corps for their quality work organizing international support for Ukraine, as well as for effective cooperation with Main Intelligence Directorate, particularly during joint operations to evacuate Ukrainian citizens from danger zones.
