Ukraine's Intelligence Chief Expects Russian Attack To Fail And End In Spring

The head of the Ukrainian military, Kyrylo Budanov. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Ukraine's military intelligence chief said on Tuesday he expected Russia's attack on the eastern front line to end and fail at the start of spring.

Moscow stepped up its attack on the northeastern frontline last fall, seeking to surround defense strongholds such as Avdivka City.

On the other hand, the Ukrainian military said they were in "active defense" while carrying out a counterattack against Russian troops.

"The attack (Russia) is still ongoing. At the start of spring, the attack will be completely exhausted," said Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR.

Budanov narrowed the progress of Russian troops by saying they had only made "little progress in some areas" and near the city of Avdivka which was the target of fighting.

"Now it's the enemy's turn. It's over, and I think our actions will begin," he added.

It is known that the retaliatory attacks of Ukraine, launched in June 2023, have yet to produce major breakthroughs. Ukrainian officials blamed Russia's minefields and defense lines, as well as delays in arms supply from the West.

Ukrainian military officials recently spoke about increasing Russian military activity at the forefront of 1,000 km (600 miles) across eastern and southern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said his troops will achieve all their goals in what Moscow calls a special military operation' in Ukraine, which is now entering its 24th month.