Russia will intensify hybrid aggression against the states of the European Union and NATO if Moscow does not face resistance, said the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.
"Let us have no illusions. Putin’s true intentions are to continue and escalate aggression. Right now, his target is the countries of the European Union and NATO, which the Kremlin sees as the main threat to the dominance of the Russian authoritarian regime. Currently, only the first points of the 'hybrid war' doctrine seem to be unfolding in Europe. If the Kremlin is not stopped, if it is not given a decisive and painful response, hybrid aggression against EU and NATO countries will only spread and intensify," Budanov said in a speech during the meeting of the Kyiv Association of Military Attachés, held on October 14.
He thanked foreign partners for their support of Ukraine and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation to strengthen global security.
"Ukraine has gained invaluable experience in countering Russian aggression in all its dimensions and is ready to share it with all countries of good will to protect their national interests. We are ready and open for cooperation for comprehensive peace," Budanov emphasized.
During the event, representatives of foreign states observed a minute of silence in honor of the soldiers of the Main Intelligence Directorate who fell fighting the aggressor state Russia and laid flowers at the Memorial to Ukrainian Intelligence Officers.
