Ukraine's spy chief Kyrylo Budanov on Ilovaysk Cauldron: Compromise with Putin is trap
Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Bulanov (RBC-Ukraine)
One of the most harrowing battles for the Ukrainian military in 2014, the battle of Ilovaisk, turned into the most devastating tragedy during the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO, later renamed Joint Forces Operation, JFO). These events served as a critical lesson that any compromise with Putin is a trap, according to the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.
Addressing military intelligence personnel, Budanov reminded them that August 29th is a significant date for each of them—the Day of Remembrance for the defenders who died fighting for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
"Today marks ten years since Ukraine was shocked by the tragic news of the treacherous massacre of Ukrainian soldiers whose path took them through a sunflower field. This is why the sunflower has become the traditional symbol of this day of remembrance," Budanov wrote.
The intelligence chief recalled the fierce battles between Ukrainian defenders and Russian invaders near Ilovaisk that lasted for a month, as well as the so-called promised "green corridor," which became a deadly route for hundreds of soldiers and volunteers.
"Russian forces violated the agreements and opened fire to annihilate the Ukrainian columns on the march. Hundreds of soldiers and volunteers were killed, and dozens went missing. These events became a huge lesson—Putin can never be trusted, any compromise with him is a trap," Budanov said.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate urged people to honor and remember all the fallen defenders of Ukraine.
Ilovaisk Cauldron
To recap, on August 18-19, 2014, Ukrainian forces took control of most of the city of Ilovaisk. In response, Russia sent eight battalion-tactical groups to the area, staffed with regular Russian military personnel.
As a result, Ukrainian units found themselves encircled. On the night of August 29, the occupiers offered them a way out of the encirclement through the so-called "green corridors" without weapons. However, as the Ukrainians began to withdraw from Ilovaisk, Russian troops and their mercenaries opened fire.
