Frontline escalation will end with peace talks – Ukraine intel chief
Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia has already intensified its actions on the frontline, and nothing significantly new should be expected. Such an escalation can only end after peace negotiations, said head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov.
Budanov commented on a statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said, "wherever a Russian soldier sets foot, that land is ours."
The head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence responded: "That's exactly right," noting that wherever Russian forces advance, the territory falls under their control.
"And do you really think people don't understand this? I hope everyone does. And as citizens, we should draw only one conclusion from it: we must actively defend our country, not hide from military enlistment offices or anything like that. Otherwise, the Russian draft office will come — just like it does in the occupied territories. And believe me, it's already happening there on a full scale," he added.
Budanov also emphasized that the escalation on the frontline has already begun and is ongoing.
"No one will see anything new. The picture you're seeing now isn't going to change much," he said.
In response to a question about when the escalation might end, the head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence replied:
"Let's say — when peace negotiations are concluded."
Russia's summer offensive
The Telegraph previously reported that Russia's summer offensive began back in May.
According to the outlet, Russian forces have not achieved strategic success on key fronts, and their offensive potential is steadily being depleted.
