Intelligence chief reveals when Russian offensive will end, predicts what enemy to await

"Not yet (the situation on the front is not yet clear - ed.). Closer to spring. Now I can tell you that the offensive operation of the Russian Federation is currently ongoing," stated Budanov.

According to Budanov, the offensive commenced in November 2023 and has been in progress for two and a half months. The head of intelligence acknowledged that characterizing the outcomes of the offensive as remarkable would be inaccurate. However, he admitted that near Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, there had been a certain advancement by the occupiers.

Predictions for spring

As for the spring outlook, Budanov remarked, "But this is not what they were counting on. They wanted to quickly reach the barrier line along the Zherebets River in the Kharkiv region and reach the administrative border of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. As you understand, it is not even close to that."

Budanov added that the offensive is still underway and is anticipated to be entirely exhausted sometime in early spring.

Simultaneously, he explained that, following the standard dynamics of any strategic engagement, the conclusion of the enemy's move would mark the initiation of Ukrainian troops' actions.

Avdiivka battle

In the battle for Avdiivka, Russian soldiers have been actively assaulting the area since the beginning of October. They aim to surround and occupy the city. Ukrainian defenders, however, have successfully maintained their defense and inflicted substantial losses on the enemy.

Although Budanov noted a significant increase in the losses of the Russian occupiers in their attempts to capture Avdiivka recently, specific numbers were not disclosed.

For further details on the frontline situation, refer to the RBC-Ukraine's material.