Budanov said when Putin 'wants' to end the war.

The Russian Federation aims to end the war in Ukraine by the end of 2025 - early 2026, counting on its victory.

This statement was made by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov during the 20th annual YES meeting in Kyiv.

The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, citing Russian data, stated that the summer of 2025 will be a critical period for Russia. Budanov emphasized that Russia is aware of the gradual deterioration of its economic situation, which is already noticeable, but the peak of the negative impact is expected precisely in the summer of 2025.

"From this moment, they will begin to have serious problems in the economy, and there will be a need for mobilization, which may undermine the socio-political situation in the country," he noted.

In addition, the Russian authorities will face a dilemma: to announce new mobilization or to reduce the intensity of hostilities, which may prove critical for their military campaign. Budanov noted that fatigue from the war is already being observed in Russia, even though part of the population is rejoicing at the capture of over 30% of Ukraine's territory and high salaries in the army.

Interestingly, Ukraine's efforts to shift hostilities to Russian territory, including explosions in Moscow, according to Budanov, have significantly impacted the worldview of Russians.

"It destroyed the myth of Russia's invincibility," he emphasized.

Furthermore, previous research showed that about 40% of Russian citizens consider the events in the Kursk region the most important in recent weeks.

Budanov also reported that, according to Russian documents, if Russia does not achieve victory by the end of 2025, it risks falling out of the ranks of the world's superpowers, leaving only the US and China in this position.

"This is a crucial period for them. Therefore, they will do everything possible to win in their understanding. Otherwise, they fall out of all global processes. All they can count on is regional leadership, and that does not suit them," the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate summed up.

Let us recall, earlier Jens Stoltenberg spoke about 'reconciliation' with Russia and NATO's missed opportunities.