Budanov: If Russia establishes an empire, Poland will be the next target after Ukraine.

The leadership of the Russian Federation envisions its country as an empire, reminiscent of the Soviet Union, but alongside the Warsaw Pact nations.

This was stated by the head of GUR, Kirill Budanov, as reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing his speech.

According to Budanov, the Russian authorities' desire to transform the country into an empire will not diminish. In the worst-case scenario, following the occupation of Ukraine, Russia will attempt to seize other countries.

"If we consider the worst-case scenario, as they say, this is not a script, just a worst-case situation we imagine, and it happens that three countries (Russia, Belarus, Ukraine - ed.) unite into one. Although this is nearly impossible. The next will be Poland, precisely. I'm telling you this directly. And there’s no need to fear it, but to recognize it. Following that, we have: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria. All will revert back. The Warsaw Pact countries are, as they say, the 'minimum task' - if an empire is formed. And from there, we'll see how it goes," said Budanov.

The Warsaw Pact was an agreement of friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance, signed on May 14, 1955, in Warsaw by Albania, Bulgaria, the German Democratic Republic, Poland, Romania, the USSR, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. It came into effect on June 5, 1955.

The War in Ukraine

Recall that earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Putin wants "peace negotiations" not to end the war, but to take a pause. A ceasefire would also allow for the lifting of some sanctions.

He also asserted that the war waged by Russia against Ukraine would conclude when a just peace is achieved, and Ukrainians must endure until the end.

Additionally, during the Forum, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky aims to achieve a just peace by 2025.

At the same time, it was previously stated that he believes in the end of the war in Ukraine by 2025. However, this is unilaterally impossible.