Russian intelligence agencies attempted to assassinate Zelensky and Budanov, according to initial statements from the "Ukraine. Year 2025" press conference.
The press conference "Ukraine. Year 2025" begins with the participation of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
Among the speakers at the press conference "Ukraine. Year 2025" are the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, the head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, the Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, the Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, and the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sibiga.
Kyrylo Budanov stated that it is possible to end the war by 2025. He believes this will happen for two reasons. The first is that the Russian Federation needs a pause to continue military actions. The second is the "too high price" that Russia is paying. The head of intelligence also added that he had seen "planning documents" from the Russian Federation up to 2045. The plans indicate that if the war does not conclude by 2026, Russia "will miss the opportunity to become a superpower and even a regional leader," Budanov said.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga reported on the contacts that took place between Ukraine and China in February 2025 following the Russian strike on the "Shelter" facility of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The diplomat explained that China informed about the hit of a Russian kamikaze drone on the shell covering the fourth nuclear reactor. He also emphasized that this country is interested in a "fair resolution of the war," as it seeks to operate in a European region that requires stability.
"We had an extremely productive conversation with Wang Yi [the head of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]. It was substantive, meaningful, and I am convinced that it will continue," Sibiga is confident.
Kyrylo Budanov provided details about the actions of the Russian Armed Forces in the Kursk region. According to the head of the GUR, the number of North Korean soldiers initially amounted to 12,000. Due to the actions of the Defense Forces, 4,000 have been removed, while the remaining 8,000 are still being used to attack Ukrainian positions. Additionally, he spoke about attempts by the Russians to launch drones from a Mi-8 helicopter.
"2 out of 3 such launches ended with the drone being destroyed, after which Russia abandoned this idea," Budanov said.
The head of the GUR also supplemented information about Starlink systems. He clarified that, to date, there have been no cases of blocking for the Defense Forces. Instead, there is a block for "gray" devices that the occupiers are using.
Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Oleg Ivashchenko stated that Ukraine is aware of Russia's plans, which have been drawn up in Moscow until 2030. He also claimed that the Kremlin needs a ceasefire to regroup and attack Ukrainians again.
Head of the GUR Kyrylo Budanov noted that after the invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin finally realized what a "terrible mistake" they made based on false intelligence data. He also reported that at the beginning of 2025, Russia has the same amount of weapons or fewer.
"North Korea satisfies 50% of Russia's needs for ammunition. According to the plan for this year, North Korea is supposed to deliver 148 KN/23 missiles to Russia," was mentioned during the forum.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov spoke about the reform of military medical commissions. According to him, the reform will occur in two stages. The first stage – until February 28: an electronic referral for the medical commission will be introduced. The second stage will last until the fall of 2025 and concerns the separation of the work of medical personnel and territorial recruitment centers.
"The second – until the fall. This is a separation between medical and administrative formats, which will allow passing the VLK without TCK," Umerov said.
Additionally, the Minister of Defense assured that the army has other means of communication in case Starlink is disconnected. The minister also reported that 95% of all drones of the Defense Forces are produced or purchased in Ukraine.
Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that valuable minerals worth $350 billion are located in the occupied territories. Furthermore, the official addressed the issue of conscription exemptions for critical enterprises. According to the official, the exemption period will be extended until March 31.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi participated in the event online. Syrskyi spoke about the progress of the reform in the Armed Forces. The general stated that five corps have already been formed, "demonstrating their effectiveness." He also reported that the strike depth of Ukrainian drones has reached 1,700 km.
"Russian special services through their 'rats' attempted to kill Volodymyr Zelensky and Kyrylo Budanov," – head of the SBU Vasyl Maliuk stated that during three years of war, 102 enemy agent networks have been uncovered.
There were plans to kill Budanov last Easter, before Putin's inauguration. According to the head of the SBU, there was also a plot against him.
Furthermore, Russia planned to organize a terrorist attack in one of Kyiv's hypermarkets.
The news is being updated