The chief of Ukraine‘s defense intelligence, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, has revealed that Ukrainian officials are alarmingly aware of Russian “execution lists” that are specifically designed to target a range of individuals, including teachers, journalists, and priests, among others.
“[The execution lists] are reported to encompass educators of the Ukrainian language and literature, historians, ATO [Anti-Terrorist Operation] veterans, notable journalists, scientists, esteemed writers, and priests from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and various other denominations who have shown their support for Ukraine. Additionally, public and political figures, as well as heads of state authorities and local self-government, were also included,” stated Budanov during a recent discussion.
A pressing release from the intelligence agency also highlighted the implementation of “maniacal” instructions across various regions in Ukraine that have been invaded by Russian forces. This alarming directive underscores the systematic nature of the threats being faced by many.
Budanov added with grave concern: “We have witnessed horrific mass crimes committed against Ukrainian citizens, with the evidence of these atrocities now gaining global recognition.” The sheer scale of these acts has cast a dark shadow over the ongoing conflict.
Kyrylo Budanov delivered these poignant remarks while addressing journalists at the “Ukraine Year 2024” forum in Kyiv on February 25, 2024, illuminating the seriousness of Russia’s insidious intent.
“The atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in locations such as Borodyanka, Bucha, Hostomel, Izyum, Mariupol, and countless other Ukrainian settlements demonstrated that these cruel and synchronized actions are grounded in clear doctrinal tenets reflective of the Russian government’s genocidal policy,” Budanov elaborated, underlining the premeditated nature of these actions.
The intelligence chief further noted a uniquely pervasive atmosphere of “Ukrainophobia” that has inflicted itself upon Russian society as a whole.
“The genocide of Ukrainians is not merely a state policy of the Russian Federation, but it is also a deeply ingrained social conviction perpetuated from above,” he emphasized, outlining the chilling implications.
Newsweek reached out to Russian authorities for comments on the accusations on Saturday, although correspondence was received outside standard working hours.
Budanov’s statements have surfaced amidst significant developments in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict over the past week. On Thursday, Moscow initiated a hypersonic missile strike targeting military installations in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro. This alarming attack employed the experimental Oreshnik hypersonic missile, known for its advanced capabilities and designed to carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.
In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that the strike was a direct response to Ukraine’s deployment of long-range missiles supplied by the U.S. and Britain, which have been utilized to strike various sites within Russia. “No one in the world has weapons like these,” Putin declared, underscoring the high stakes involved.
This military escalation followed President Joe Biden’s recent authorization of U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for potential strikes within Russian territories—a significant policy pivot. This announcement was made public last weekend and follows Ukraine’s longstanding appeal for access to these critical missile systems. Biden rationalized the decision as a countermeasure against the participation of North Korean troops in the ongoing conflict.
“ATACMS will significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to disrupt Russian operations deep behind the front lines,” remarked Andriy Zagorodnyuk, Ukraine’s former defense minister, when interviewed by the Financial Times. “These missiles grant us the capability to target high-value assets that other systems are incapable of addressing.”
**Interview with Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, General Budanov. Your recent statements regarding the existence of Russian “execution lists” targeting Ukrainian citizens have raised serious concerns. Can you elaborate on what these lists entail and their implications for your country?
**Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov:** Thank you for having me. The execution lists are specifically designed by Russian forces to target a wide range of individuals who are viewed as threats to their agenda. This includes educators of the Ukrainian language and literature, historians, veterans of the Anti-Terrorist Operation, journalists, scientists, and religious figures from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, among others. The targeting is systematic and tied to individuals who have shown support for Ukraine.
**Interviewer:** That’s deeply troubling. You’ve mentioned that these actions are accompanied by “maniacal” instructions across various regions. How does this reflect on the overall conduct of Russian troops in occupied territories?
**Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov:** The directives being issued point towards a coordinated effort to eliminate any form of Ukrainian identity and dissent. We have observed that these actions are not just sporadic incidents but part of a clear strategy that aligns with the broader genocidal policies of the Russian government. The atrocities committed in areas like Bucha and Mariupol are evidence of extremely premeditated actions against our people.
**Interviewer:** You described witnessing horrific mass crimes against Ukrainian citizens, with evidence gaining global attention. What do you believe is necessary for the international community to respond effectively?
**Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov:** It is crucial that the world recognizes the scale and severity of these crimes as not only war crimes but also acts of genocide. We need stronger sanctions against Russia, increased support for Ukraine, and a unified stance in holding aggressors accountable. The global community must act decisively to prevent further atrocities.
**Interviewer:** You also spoke about a pervasive atmosphere of “Ukrainophobia” in Russian society. Can you explain how this mindset affects the conflict?
**Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov:** This ideology is not merely a state policy but also reflects a deeply ingrained social belief held by many in Russia. It’s dangerous because it fuels the justifications for violence and oppression against Ukrainians. To combat this, we must ensure that the narrative of Ukraine as a sovereign nation and our right to exist is widely understood and supported internationally.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, General Budanov, for sharing these insights. Your warnings about the dangers posed not only to individuals but to Ukrainian culture and identity are significant. We hope for resolution and peace in the region soon.
**Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov:** Thank you for giving us the opportunity to shed light on these critical issues. It’s vital that we continue to raise awareness and advocate for our people.
