Ukraine must at least enter occupied Crimea by late 2022, says Ukrainian intelligence chief
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According to the official, Russia has resources for 12 months, so the active phase of hostilities should go to a maximum decline by the end of the year.
In this regard, Budanov expressed confidence that the war would end with the "return of our occupied territories," including the Crimea.
"By the end of the year, we must at least enter the territory of the Crimea," he said.
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As for the future of Russia, Budanov suggests that there are two possible options: the division of Russia into several parts, or a change in political leadership while formally preserving territorial integrity.
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"I emphasize – formally," he stressed.
"In this case, everyone will blame personally Putin and his inner circle, and say that Russia has nothing to do with this. They will withdraw troops from all occupied territories around the world. And Russia will resume functioning as a civilized state. It will start again, so to speak.
“It will work for a while."
