Kyrylo Budanov is the most public leader of military intelligence not only in the history of Ukraine but also on a global scale.
Here is a partial excerpt from the interview for BBC Ukraine.
About Russian Troops
BBC: Former Chief of the General Staff Viktor Muzhenko mentioned in our interview that over the two years of war, Russians have changed. They are better equipped, better trained, and so on. How do you assess the changes in Russians since the start of the full-scale invasion, and are they stronger today?
Kyrylo Budanov: Yes and no. We must remember that war always involves rapid development. In any country in the world, war has always spurred technological and industrial progress, despite the staggering costs and destruction. This applies to both them and us, and it needs to be understood.
Who could have imagined at the beginning of 2022 that there would be tens of thousands of drones operating on the front lines? It was unimaginable then, but now it no longer surprises anyone.
Regarding equipment, the equipment for the infantry has certainly improved. But as for the quality of the machinery, no, it has declined because there is a shortage of new equipment. What's there has been repaired or restored from stockpiles of stored armaments. Talking about quality there doesn't make sense, nor is it needed.
As for the quality of personnel, those who participated in the first wave of the full-scale invasion in 2022 were true professionals, contract soldiers with decent combat experience, and so on. But almost none of them remain now. Russia is fighting with conscripts.
BBC: What about their morale?
Kyrylo Budanov: Well, there isn't much to speak of, generally. It did strengthen after the capture of Avdiivka, but that was a temporary phenomenon. In essence, there's not much morale among conscripts. They're fighting for money because they were drafted, because they were forced to enlist, and so on. It's like "just go ahead." Well, it's also the Russian mentality at play here. "Just go ahead," as they say, and the Russian guy goes ahead. He doesn't particularly think about what will happen to him. But to say that he's making a great effort would be untrue.
BBC: How strong is Russian intelligence here in Ukraine, according to your data? It's clear that they are here.
Kyrylo Budanov: What do you mean by "they are here"? They gather necessary data and try to influence. That exists, it's a fact.
BBC: Are they making progress or the opposite?
Kyrylo Budanov: War means development, as I've told you. And it's the same here. Let's say, everything related to cyber development, radio electronic reconnaissance - they have strengthened.
