21.12.2025 19:16
The head of Ukraine's Military Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, claimed that the Baltic countries have become a primary target in Russia's military plans for Europe. According to Budanov, Moscow has accelerated its preparation timeline for a possible invasion scenario involving Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, moving it up to 2027.
Ukrainian Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov claimed that Russia is accelerating its military plans towards Europe and has moved the preparation period to an earlier date than expected. Budanov stated that the previously assessed preparation process of 2030 is now focused on 2027.
FIRST TARGET: BALTIC STATES
According to Budanov's assessments, Russia's possible initial targets will be the Baltic region, consisting of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Poland is currently not part of direct invasion plans, but is considered under military pressure and attack scenarios by Moscow.
EMPRESS "MENTALITY" EMPHASIS
The Ukrainian intelligence chief argued that Russia's expansionist policies are shaped by an ideological perspective. He expressed that the Kremlin sees the West as weak and indecisive, while trying to reposition Russia as an empire again.
CLAIM THAT "RUSSIA HAS ACCELERATED PREPARATIONS"
Previous analyses published by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) also highlighted that Russia has accelerated its preparations for a possible conflict with NATO. The report noted that, in addition to military capacity, information and psychological infrastructure have also been strengthened in this process.
According to Budanov, Russian President Vladimir Putin is conducting not only a military but also a societal preparation process. It is stated that one of the aims is to weaken the perception of Europe as strong and attractive in the eyes of the Russian public.