Ukrainian intelligence chief hints at potential escalation of strikes on key Russian targets
Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The attacks on crucial infrastructure in various cities of the Russian Federation could significantly intensify, states the Head of Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, in an interview with CNN.
According to him, currently, there are over half a million Russian military personnel in the territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia. However, Budanov does not see significant potential for their movement to the front lines in the short term.
At the same time, the head of the military intelligence suggests that attacks on Russian infrastructure could intensify. He refuses to acknowledge Ukraine's involvement in drone attacks in Russia, stating that such operations are "quite possible."
"Hypothetically, there is a plan according to which all this happens,” he said. “And I believe that this plan includes all the major critical infrastructure facilities and military infrastructure facilities of the Russian Federation," says Budanov.
He notes that now the residents of Russia finally "see the real picture (of the war). They see burning oil depots, destroyed buildings in factories and plants, and so on. This is all beneficial."
Background
Today, several Russian Telegram channels reported the crash of a drone on the territory of the Nevsky Mazut oil refinery in St. Petersburg.
Preliminarily, the explosion at the refinery was heard around 04:00. Russians claim that although the drone was "successfully shot down," the fall still damaged several tanks and vehicles.
A fire also occurred on the refinery premises, which was allegedly "quickly extinguished." According to Russian media, there are "no casualties."
It is also known that during the drone attack at Pulkovo airport, the local airport implemented the "Carpet" plan.
Other attacks on Russian oil refineries
It should be noted that the attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russian oil refineries are becoming increasingly systematic. Recently, a drone attacked one of the largest oil refineries in Yaroslavl.
Prior to this, sources reported that drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) had struck an oil refinery in Tuapse, resulting in a powerful fire.
We also reported that SSU drones effectively targeted the Ust-Luga Oil oil terminal. They process fuel, including supplies to the Russian military.
