Ukraine’s Spy Chief Warns: Russia May Attack Europe Three Years Sooner Than Expected

Russia has accelerated its timeline for potential military action against European states, moving its readiness plans from 2030 to as early as 2027, according to Kyrylo Budanov, the Head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, Speaking at an LB Club event on December 20.

Budanov said the Kremlin’s primary objective in such a scenario would be the Baltic states. He identified Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as the most likely initial targets.

“According to the original plan, Russia was supposed to be ready to begin operations in 2030. Now the plans have been adjusted and revised to bring the deadline forward to 2027,” he said.

Budanov argued that Russia’s strategic thinking is driven less by immediate tactical considerations and more by deep-rooted imperial worldviews. In his assessment, Moscow sees expansion as essential to sustaining what it views as an empire, and the West as weakened, indecisive, and vulnerable.

‘‘The answer lies in deep historical and psychological trauma. In the Russian worldview. These are phantom pains, as I call them. From their point of view, everything is absolutely correct,” he said.

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“How they see the world: north—south, west—east. In order for an empire—and they see themselves as an empire—to develop, you always have to move somewhere to expand your influence and territory. This, by the way, is the answer to many questions,” he continued.

According to Budanov, Russia sees no viable expansion options to the north or east due to the presence of the United States, nor to the south because of China. That leaves western countries, particularly the Baltic region, as the most likely direction for future aggression.

Previously, Budanov stated that the next significant opportunity to end the war with Russia may emerge in February 2026.

In an interview with Ukraine’s Channel 24 Budanov said that a combination of critical internal and external factors—including developments within Russia, the United States, and Europe—must align to create a real chance for peace.

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