Budanov: It is impossible for Russia to capture the entire Donetsk region by the end of 2025

Russia will not be able to reach the administrative borders in Donetsk region by the end of 2025. This was stated by in an interview with Bloomberg by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kirill Budanov.

"It is impossible for Russia to capture the entire Donetsk region by the end of the year," says chief intelligence officer.

He also voiced another political goal of the Russians – to announce their accession to the Dnipro region. The occupiers want to create another buffer zone up to 10 km deep, Budanov said .

The first statements that Russian troops had entered the territory of Dnipropetrovs'k region appeared on May 21. At that time, Russian propaganda resources disseminated a photo showing Russian troops approaching the region's borders. The head of the Dnipropetrovs'k Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak denied this information.

• In late May, Putin announced the creation of a "buffer zone" along the border with Ukraine. The Center for Public Policy said it was not the first time he has made such statements.
• The Washington Post reported that Ukraine is preparing for a new summer offensive by Russia in Donetsk region. To divert the attention of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the enemy may start moving in Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
• On July 2, the General Staff confirmed the arrival of a Russian intelligence group in Dachne in Dnipropetrovs'k region. However, the Defense Forces destroyed the enemy group.