Ukraine's Defence Intelligence chief says Russia is preparing to occupy Baltic states in coming years

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, has stated that Russia intends to occupy the Baltic states and is planning for action as early as 2027.

Source: Budanov's statement during an LB Club event

Quote from Budanov: "According to the original plan, Russia was supposed to be ready to act in 2030. Now the plans have been adjusted and revised to bring the timeline forward to 2027."

Details: Budanov clarified that this concerns the occupation of the Baltic states.

Quote: "For an empire – and they see themselves as an empire – to grow, you always have to move somewhere to expand your influence and territory. This, by the way, answers a lot of questions.

To the north, there is only the Arctic Ocean and beyond that, America. That is not an option because it would be painful. To the east, there is the Pacific and again America. Same answer. To the south is China, that would be catastrophic – a land border with conditions like those we are experiencing in our war with Russia, only it would be for them in this instance. The only remaining option is the west, which, in their view, pardon the expression, is 'greedy', 'weak', 'sickly' and 'indecisive'."

Details: Meanwhile, Budanov says that Poland is currently considered by Russia purely as a target for strikes, for a military campaign without occupation.

Background: Reuters reported that US intelligence is continuing to warn that Russian leader Vladimir Putin intends to seize all of Ukraine and reclaim parts of Europe that belonged to the former Soviet Union.

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