Ukraine may fight until 2033, or even 2044, according to Russian estimates
Source: Forbes Ukraine
In a recent closed-door briefing at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), revealed some intriguing insights into Russia’s calculations on the duration of Ukraine’s war effort.
According to Budanov, Russia has projected that if Ukraine were to mobilize all citizens aged 18 and older, the conflict could potentially last until 2033. If the age limit were lowered to 16, as Russia has also considered, the war could stretch all the way to 2044. However, the Ukrainian spy chief admitted that mobilization remains a complicated issue for Ukraine.
While military service involves “obligation, routine, and risk”, it also embodies “true freedom—defending one’s country and serving the nation”. He likened it to investing in both personal and collective liberty, contrasting it with the “alternative” of Russian control.
Budanov said Ukraine’s goverment probably had made some ‘mistakes’ in its conscription campaign and is now working to fix thems. He also dismissed the claimes that Ukaine is “running out of manpower”.
It is clear that war can go indefinitely as no economy can sustain it, but while Ukraine’s largely relies on external funding, Russia is doing it on its own dime, and Moscow leaders are clearly aware of it.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).
In just 1.5 months, Ukrainian specialists have created an innovative protective shell for the control modules of anti-aircraft missile systems (AMS) Patriot and Iris-T SLM. This development was another step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, aimed at protecting key elements of the air defense system from debris damage.
Military serviceman of the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine with the call sign “Paradox” is the crew commander of the American M113 armored personnel carrier. He is a master at using it and is constantly improving, because the legionnaire’s skills are tested every day in battle. You have to drive to the front lines, often under artillery fire and drone attacks.