Russia had been planning for a genocide against Ukranians, a top Ukranian official has claimed.

According to the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, the current military and political leadership of the aggressor state of Russia had been purposefully preparing for the genocide of Ukrainians long before the full-scale invasion.

Speaking during the forum “Genocidal Practices of the russian federation in Ukraine: from the Holodomor to the russian-Ukrainian War”. Budanov stated “Russia's propaganda, the highest state authorities, high-ranking officials, and the entire state machine, having received such a blessing from their leader, have repeatedly called for the destruction of Ukrainians."

According to the head of military intelligence, total Ukrainophobia has affected the entire Russian society.

"The genocide of Ukrainians is not only the state policy of the russian federation, but also a mandatory social belief, handed down from above,” stated Kyrylo Budanov.

“We have seen horrific mass crimes against Ukrainian citizens, the facts of which have become known to the whole world. The atrocities committed by the russian Armed Forces in Borodyanka, Bucha, Gostomel, Izyum, Mariupol, and many other Ukrainian cities and towns showed that these uniform and synchronized actions were based on clear doctrinal provisions of the russian genocidal policy of the government and military leadership,” summarized Kyrylo Budanov.

The forum “Genocidal Practices of the Russian federation in Ukraine: From the Holodomor to the Russian-Ukrainian War” was held on November 22, 2024. The forum was attended by Holodomor researchers, historians, members of the public, and foreign guests.