2025 will bring better prospects for Ukraine, says intelligence chief

This was stated by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, on the air of the United News telethon.

Budanov recalled that at the end of 2023, he was asked about his expectations for 2024. At the time, he honestly stated that 2024 "would not be good" for Ukraine and "would be very difficult."

"If I were to answer the same question about 2025, I would say I am much more optimistic. 2025 will definitely be better than this year. There are specific reasons for this. And I hope that in 2025 we will witness many positive events that will ultimately bring us everything we are waiting for," emphasized the intelligence chief.

He clarified that if Russia "does not come to its senses" by mid-2025, it will have to make very difficult decisions regarding its financial and economic systems.

"Are they (the Russians - ed.) prepared for this? Perhaps they are. Do they want it? I can say with 100% certainty that they do not. They will try to do everything possible to avoid it," Budanov added.

He also emphasized that the question of how to compel Russia to meet all fair conditions for peace largely depends on Ukrainians.

At the same time, the intelligence chief added that Ukraine is not just waiting for victory but is actively doing everything necessary to achieve it.

"We believe in victory, and I am confident that we will achieve it. With this in mind, I suggest entering 2025," he concluded.

• In September, Budanov stressed that by the summer of 2025, the negative impact on Russia’s economy would become "very noticeable."
• According to the intelligence chief, by the summer of 2025, Russia will face significant shortages in military personnel. As a result, Moscow may need to announce mobilization.