Russia wants to seize Ukraine and use its resources against West – Ukrainian Intelligence Chief
Photo: Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia aims to seize Ukraine. In this scenario, Moscow plans to use Ukraine’s resources and military-industrial complex against Western countries, stated the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov.
"One of the main reasons for Russia’s war against Ukraine is to capture our country, our natural resources, and our military-industrial complex in order to use them against Western countries in the future," he said during the US-Ukraine Business Council on February 5, held as part of Ukrainian Week in Washington.
According to Budanov, post-war Ukraine with one of the strongest armies on the continent, a powerful defense industry, and unique military experience could become the United States' key ally in the region.
"The Ukraine of the future is a reliable partner and ally for the US. We have one of the strongest armies on the continent, unique combat experience, including in the use of cutting-edge technologies, and attractive prospects for business in the defense sector," the intelligence chief stated.
Budanov emphasized that close cooperation between Ukraine and the US in military industry and the development of advanced defense technologies offers broad mutual benefits.
"Now is the time to strengthen this cooperation between our governments and businesses," he noted.
The head of Ukraine’s intelligence also expressed deep appreciation for the strong support from the American people in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
"After more than 10 years of Russian aggression and three years of full-scale war, our country has suffered many losses. But our heroic Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the country’s entire security and defense sector, continue to battle the Russian aggressor because we have chosen our path: the path of freedom, democracy, and integration into global markets," he said.
War in Ukraine
Russia has no plans to end its war against Ukraine and is preparing to continue fighting through 2025.
One indication of this is Russia's recruitment of mercenaries from Algeria to fight in Ukraine. In mid-December 2024, one of them was killed in combat in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Additionally, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated, Russia plans to train around 150,000 troops in Belarus in 2025. Moreover, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin intends to deploy troops in Belarus this year and attempt to drag the country into the war.
