Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), has said that Russia's objective of seizing the whole of Donetsk Oblast by spring 2026 is unrealistic.

Source: Budanov in an interview with 24 Kanal, a Ukrainian TV channel

Quote: "They [the Russians – ed.] have set themselves the goal of fully occupying Donetsk Oblast. Not to reveal any state secrets, [but] they want to do this by spring 2026. That's unrealistic.

Full occupation of Donetsk Oblast is impossible within that timeframe even in theoretical calculations. In other words, they are setting themselves a task that is doomed to fail from the outset, but they will keep trying. We'll see how it goes."

Details: Budanov says that in the south, the Russians are aiming to advance right up to the city of Zaporizhzhia and then begin artillery and drone terror to force both the Ukrainian military command to pull back from the left bank, and civilians to leave the city.

Quote: "This is the same tactic they used in the city of Pokrovsk, by the way. They did the same thing there. But, first of all, Zaporizhzhia is somewhat different.

Secondly, whatever the media may be saying now about the enemy having almost reached the city – and this idea is being pushed as widely as possible – that is not the case. And the situation there in terms of our defence is much better than it is, unfortunately, in the east."

Details: Budanov also said that Russian forces are trying to create a buffer zone in Sumy Oblast, but so far these attempts have failed.

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