In an exclusive interview with NHK, the head of the intelligence department of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine expressed his recognition that a large-scale reversal offensive could soon begin with a minimum of weapons. However, the reversal offensive suggested the possibility of fierce fighting lasting a long time, and stated that "considerable stockpiling is necessary to continue the operation," and indicated that he would pay close attention to how far the provision of weapons by the Western side will proceed in the wake of the G7 Hiroshima Summit in which President Zelensky participated.
On May 19, Director-General Budanov of the General Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine gave an exclusive interview to NHK for the first time in the Japan media.
Commenting on the large-scale reversal offensive against the Russian side that is being prepared, Budanov said: "Many civilians are still under Russian occupation and we can't waste time anymore. All I can say is that it will start soon," he said, acknowledging that a reversal offensive could begin soon.
However, Budanov said: "We must drive Russia out of our territory, we will use all forces and means to achieve this goal. In order to continue the operation well, it is necessary to have a considerable stockpile of weapons and ammunition," he said, suggesting that the reversal offensive may be a long-term fierce battle due to Russian defenses.
In relation to President Zelensky's face-to-face participation in the G7 Hiroshima Summit, he said, "We need more weapons. I hope that the international community is ready to really support Ukraine," he said, adding that he would pay close attention to how far the provision of weapons by the Western side will proceed in the wake of the summit as he considers how to proceed with the reversal offensive.
Developments in Russia and China are also mentioned
Regarding the Russian attack on Ukraine, he said, "We are trying to hinder our preparations for the reverse offensive by attacking the troops we are forming and logistics," but emphasized that "90% of attacks on military targets are now prevented" and that we have been able to intercept them with air defense systems.
"In the Russian military, for example, the reality is that people who worked as engineers for submarines, for example, are given machine guns and told to 'attack.' What are you doing in Ukraine. Nobody understands."
Commenting on the alleged feud between Prigozhin, the head of the Russian private military company Wagener, and the Russian Defense Ministry and others, Budanov said: "Wagener feared that power and influence were being lost, and for Prigogine it was a fight for his power, his life and the survival of the company." He expressed the prospect that the political turmoil on the Russian side would continue.
On the other hand, with regard to China, which is deepening not only economic but also military ties with Russia, Budanov denied military assistance, saying, "China does not supply weapons to Russia." However, he stated that "we supply a lot of electronic equipment," and expressed the view that electronic components exported from China to Russia are being used in the development of missiles.