“russia is replenishing its armed forces through a covert mobilization, so there is no point waiting for its offensive potential to fizzle out,” said the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, noting that he believed Ukraine could only achieve a victory against russia through military force.

“The strategy is very simple. Stabilise the situation. Receive the required amount of equipment and prepare the required amount of forces and means to start the counteroffensive to return all our territory,” the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said.

“We shouldn't wait for a miracle that they will tire and stop wanting to fight and so on. We will win back our territory as a result of our counteroffensive,” Major General Kyrylo Budanov said.