Ukraine’s Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksii Danilov warned that Russia is poised to become even more dangerous following its 2024 presidential election, urging preparations to counter the Kremlin’s aggression.
In his speech to the International Security Forum in Halifax, Canada, on 20 November., Danilov said, “17 March 2024 – the presidential elections in Russia – is a milestone date for the Kremlin.”
After Putin’s expected re-election, Danilov warned the regime will be “anchored” and have “a free hand.” He stated that Ukraine and the international community have only 3-4 months to prepare for increased Russian aggression following the election.
Danilov portrayed Russia as an escalating global threat, stating that since 2008 it has systematically and persistently undermined the world order by breaching hundreds of treaties. This includes the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
He asserted Russia is adapting to sanctions, injecting funds into defense, and putting its economy on a war footing. Danilov suggested total mobilization may come after 2024, with Russia gearing up for a prolonged war.
Danilov believes the most effective deterrent is the “controlled decomposition of Russia” by splitting it into multiple states. He argued Russia’s collapse would mean “dismantling Putin’s regime” and “denuclearization and demilitarization.”
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