Months earlier than Russia’s invasion in February 2022, he predicted a large-scale assault when the remainder of the world was in denial about Moscow’s intentions.
For the reason that battle started, he has given interviews from a spartan workplace – typically with a map of a fragmented Russia seen behind him.
“We’re going to win in opposition to the ‘nice and invincible’ Russian military like David received in opposition to Goliath,” Budanov has mentioned.
He’s described by supporters as a grasp of asymmetrical warfare.
However his prediction that Ukrainian troops would enter Crimea in 2023 didn’t materialise and the entrance line has remained largely static for the reason that finish of 2022.
ATTACKS ON RUSSIA
Budanov, dubbed “Buddhanov” by Ukrainian media for his calm manner, has claimed a number of operations inside Russia, together with a drone strike in January on an oil refinery in St Petersburg – removed from the entrance line.
Moscow additionally accuses the GUR of orchestrating an explosion in October 2022 that partially destroyed the bridge linking the occupied Crimean peninsula to Russia.
Budanov and his males are favorite targets for the Kremlin.
For the reason that begin of the invasion, Russia has at the very least twice focused the army intelligence headquarters in Kyiv, claiming in Might 2023 to have killed Budanov.
In line with the GUR, his spouse Marianna was poisoned final November however survived.
That has didn’t cease Budanov.
“The variety of assaults in opposition to Russian infrastructure will in all probability multiply,” he mentioned on Feb 1.
A number of hours later, his company claimed to have sunk a Russian warship in Crimea.
