Ukraine's Defence Intelligence chief says Russia wants to seize Donbas and Zaporizhzhia Oblast in 2026

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), has stated that Russia aims to capture the entire territory of Donbas and Zaporizhzhia Oblast in 2026.

Source: Budanov in an interview with Suspilne

Quote: "They [the Russians' goals for the near future – ed.] are clearly outlined in their military planning. This is an attempt to gain full control over Donetsk Oblast, maximum advance into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and continuation of operations in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts.

They have never hidden this. These are the main tasks – along with expanding the size of sanitary (or buffer) zones along the border. These are their main objectives. Essentially, the task for 2026 is Donbas and Zaporizhzhia Oblast."

Details: Asked whether this means the entire Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Budanov replied: "That is their dream."

He also reported that Russia's mobilisation plan for 2025 was 403,000 people, and the Russians fulfilled it in early December. Thus, Budanov said that by the end of the year, Russia will have fulfilled the plan by approximately 103%.

He said that in 2026, Russia plans to recruit another 409,000 people into its army.

Asked how long Russia will be able to maintain troop recruitment at this level, Budanov noted: "I don't want to upset you. Look at the population figures and you'll realise that if needed, this could continue for quite a long time."

The DIU head believes that Russia has sufficient financial capacity for this. He emphasised that the primary source of replenishment for the Russian army is contract soldiers.

Regarding the recruitment of contract soldiers from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, Budanov stated that "all plans for recruiting people from the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea, parts of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts have been fulfilled 100%."

At the same time, the chief of DIU believes that Russia's economic difficulties will not affect the battlefield, but "they will one hundred per cent affect their position regarding ending the war."

Budanov also explained his remarks from one of his recent interviews about a window of opportunity for reaching a peace agreement in February.

Quote: "Calculations show this is the most favourable period for both Russia and Ukraine to achieve something. This is related to military activity, the heating season, and so on. There are many factors."

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