[61795] Budanov: No signs of an impending Russian nuclear strike; the war continues at high intensity

The situation assessment by Ukrainian intelligence: nuclear threat and war management

Head of Ukrainian intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, addressed today the discourse regarding the possibility of a nuclear strike by Russia. In interviews covered by «Монако» Battalion, Operatyvnyi ZSU, and XY Kyiv +, Budanov emphasized that although Russia has the "technical capabilities to launch a nuclear bomb to any distance," there is currently no indication of any such action plans. 24 Kanal emphasized that Budanov clarified unequivocally: "If Russia were planning a nuclear strike, I would know about it."

At the same time, Novyny.LIVE reports that in an interview with The Times, Budanov addressed negotiations with Russia, clarifying that the main goal is to "achieve results" and not necessarily to trust the Russian side. According to him, Ukraine is open to sharing combat experience, and in the near future, the influence of smart drones and artificial intelligence on the battlefield will be decisive.

Further developments on the front and in the rear

Sources in UA Stream indicate that Russia has not yet abandoned its plans to strike "decision-making centers" in Kyiv. ISW reports cited by the channel note that Ukrainian intelligence has identified a list of about 20 potential targets for such strikes. Meanwhile, tensions continue regarding the role of Belarus, which is accused by Ukrainian military officials of providing an "air corridor" for Russian UAVs.

In the counter-sector, ⚔️BRATCHUK notes that according to monitoring data, for the first time since the beginning of the invasion, shelling on territories within Russia has become a topic occupying Russian public opinion more than what is happening on the front itself. At the same time, a successful strike by Ukrainian forces was reported in the occupied port of Berdyansk, where a cargo ship carrying ammunition was destroyed.