Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, stated on February 26, 2026, that the fall of Vladimir Putin's regime would not make Russia safe for neighbors, calling for the collapse of its empire, according to a post by @Maks_NAFO_FELLA captured during the 59-minute reporting window from 11:15:53 PM UTC to 12:15:29 AM UTC on February 27. Budanov argued Russia remains driven by unchanged imperial ambitions despite economic decline. Budanov explained that sanctions must persist post-hostilities to prevent Russia from rebuilding military and economic power, noting accumulated problems should force Russia to end the war though its leadership's realization remains uncertain. He confirmed the United States set no specific deadlines for war termination, dismissed Ukrainian elections under current conditions as pointless, affirmed America as an ally regardless of presidency, and insisted all occupied Ukrainian territories will be liberated. These remarks occurred amid ongoing frontline operations in Zaporizhzhia Oblast reported in the prior window. Separate updates from @414magyarbirds detailed Ukrainian drone strikes eliminating approximately 8,000 Russian personnel by USF drone operators from February 1-26, averaging 307 daily, the highest monthly rate. Combined Defense Forces drones downed around 25,000 enemies in February at 900 daily, contributing to nearly 90,000 winter eliminations excluding other strike types. USF accounted for one-third of confirmed kills, equivalent to 36 Russian brigades or five armies' personnel. Factors cited for February results included reduced Russian activity before a labeled 'summer operation' in weeks, disruptions to enemy Starlink via repeater strikes, adverse weather on 16 of 26 days, and the month's brevity. These drone statistics follow the previous window's report of the Ukrainian 225th Separate Assault Brigade destroying a Russian position in Varvarivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
