The Intelligence from The Economist

General’s knowledge: a chat with Ukraine’s spy chief

11 snips
Sep 27, 2023
Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's head of military intelligence, provides a revealing look at the current state of the war, discussing tactical shifts and the management of resources. He emphasizes confidence in Ukraine's counter-offensive strategy while dismissing rumors about drone capabilities. The conversation also dives into Brazil's gambling landscape, highlighting a likely shift in regulations to bolster the economy. Additionally, the influence of TikTok's BookTok is reshaping the literary world, driving interest in both classic and contemporary works.
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INSIGHT

Counter-Offensive Criticism

  • Kyrylo Budanov expresses frustration over criticism of Ukraine's counter-offensive's slow progress.
  • He emphasizes that Russia's entrenchment, allowed by delayed Western aid, necessitates cautious tactics.
INSIGHT

Beyond the Front Lines

  • Budanov asserts that focusing solely on front lines is misleading, as Ukrainian operations aim to disrupt Russian assets and reserves.
  • Russia has been forced to deplete its strategic reserves, contrary to their claims of abundance.
INSIGHT

Resource Depletion

  • While Russia has a larger manpower pool, Budanov believes their resources will dwindle by 2026.
  • Ukraine relies heavily on Western partners for ammunition, exceeding their own production capabilities.
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