“ Everyone thought that Moscow had a strong army but a weak economy. It turned out to be the opposite. Russia’s economy under the current sanctions can last quite a long time ,” said Kirill Budanov, head of the GUR of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, in an interview with Le Monde.
Main theses:
1. Compared to previous years, since the end of summer 2023, we have observed an increase in the quantity of ammunition produced by Russia, but we note a decrease in the quality of these shells. Russian missiles have a number of shortcomings - they often miss;
2. Sanctions against Russia are working, but they are not enough - restrictions should affect the main sectors of the economy: energy, metallurgy and the financial system as a whole. Russia is not starving at the moment, and at this rate it can last for quite a long time;
3. Neither Ukraine nor Russia can conduct offensive operations due to the intensive use of UAVs and the density of minefields, which has not been seen since World War II. We know the solution for drones - it is modern electronic warfare. Mines require specialized equipment;
More shells and artillery systems are also needed , including old ones that are no longer in use. The question of quantity is important;
5. There is a shortage of soldiers in Ukraine, it is significant, but not alarming;
6. Those abroad who think they are tired of Ukraine will have to worry about the Muscovites when they come to occupy their own territories. Captured Russian soldiers say they came to wage war against NATO, and Ukraine is only the first stage.
7. The northern part of the Black Sea is under Ukrainian control. Gas production platforms are also under control, and sea export corridors are functioning again.
8. Due to regular attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Russians are forced to transfer their fleet to the southeast and are trying to create a naval base in Ochamchire in occupied Abkhazia.
