Attacks in Russia could continue and move deeper into the country. This was stated in an exclusive interview with Abc News by the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence service, Kyrylo Budanov.
Destroyed Russian vehicles in front of a Russian base in Kherson
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The head of the Ukrainian army warned Russia that the attacks go “deeper and deeper” in the country. In recent weeks, intelligence reports have suggested so Ukraine may have carried out attacks inside the Russian border while Putin’s forces continue their attack on Ukrainian territories.
In an interview issued to Britt ClennettThe head of Ukraine’s military intelligence service, Kyrylo Budanov, said he was “very happy” that a Russian airbase was attacked, but did not confirm Kyiv’s involvement, according to the ABC News reporter. “Did Ukraine attack a Russian base?” was the reporter’s question, to which Budanov said he was unable to answer, “at least until the war is over.”
“Even if you don’t take responsibility for what happened, how do you react to it” – continued Clennett, who then asked if there would be further attacks. “I am happy – replied the head of the Ukrainian army – I can say that I am happy. And yes, there will be more attacks and deeper and deeper into the country.” Asked about a possible Ukrainian attack on Crimea, Budanov concluded: “Crimea is part of Ukraine. It’s part of our territory and for that reason we can use any kind of weapon.”
Russian missile explodes live behind French TV journalist broadcasting from Donbass
Meanwhile, Russian President Putin has signed a decree on compensation for the wounded and families of those killed: five million rubles (about 66,000 euros) for the family of each killed soldier and three million rubles for each wounded person. According to reports, over 500 Russian conscripts have been killed in the past three months. While Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned of the danger of new, massive attacks from Moscow: “It has only been two days since the beginning of the year, and the number of Iranian drones shot down over Ukraine is already over 80. This number could increase in the near future. “
Russian forces withdrew from key positions previously held and from Kherson in November, where Ukrainian troops were waging a counteroffensive. Meanwhile, Russian drones have continued to bomb civilian targets across Ukraine, destroying critical energy infrastructure as winter sets in in what Kyiv has accused of exhausting the Ukrainian population.