The beginning of summer may lead to the offensive of Russian troops in Donbas, mainly in the Donetsk region. This was announced by the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov. In a conversation with the German TV channel "ARD", published on Sunday, April 7, Budanov noted that Ukraine expects an increase in Russian offensive actions in late spring and early summer this year.
"They plan to expand the conflict zone in the direction of the city of Pokrovska, including Chasovy Yar," the TV channel quotes Budanova on its website.
According to Budanov, although the situation at the front is difficult, it is under control. At the same time, he did not rule out the possibility of a Ukrainian offensive this year, but indicated that responsibility for this aspect rests with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Budanov also emphasized that Ukraine needs additional artillery systems and ammunition for combat operations. He noted that the joint purchase by European countries of 800,000 artillery ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, initiated by the Czech Republic, does not yet have a tangible presence at the front.
