At the current moment, the Russian Federation's offensive operation in Ukraine is ongoing, but it will be completely exhausted by the beginning of spring.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported this during a national telethon.
"It's not clear yet (the situation on the front). Closer to spring. Now I can tell you that the Russian Federation's offensive operation is currently underway," said Budanov.
According to Budanov, it began in November 2023 and has been ongoing for two and a half months. The head of intelligence added that labeling the results of the offensive as significant would be untrue. However, he acknowledged that there is some advancement by the occupiers near Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast.
Spring 2024:
"But it's not what they were counting on. They wanted to quickly reach the barrier line along the Black Zherebet River in Kharkiv Oblast and reach the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. As you understand, this is far from happening," said Budanov.
The head of intelligence added that the offensive is ongoing, and by the beginning of spring, it will be completely exhausted.
At the same time, Budanov added that, following the rules of any game, when the opponent's move ends, the Ukrainian forces will begin their move.
Avdiivka:
Since the beginning of October, Russian soldiers have been actively storming the area around Avdiivka. They are attempting to surround the city and occupy it.
During this time, Ukrainian defenders are holding their ground and causing significant losses to the enemy. According to the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, the losses of Russians in their attempts to capture Avdiivka have significantly increased recently. However, he did not provide specific numbers.
