Ukraine will survive winter despite Russian strikes aimed at sparking protests, Budanov says

Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said Russia is striking Ukrainian infrastructure to provoke street protests, but insisted Ukraine will survive the winter. In a CBS News interview on November 6, Budanov stated Moscow aims to damage critical infrastructure to create social discontent and push Ukrainians toward surrendering national interests. He asserted this plan will fail and that Ukraine will endure the winter, though with difficulty. President Zelenskyy warned of a new massive Russian strike threat on energy facilities, Dnipro bridges, and civilian infrastructure. Ukraine's air defenses downed 309 targets in a November 3 attack, while rolling blackouts of over 12 hours remain in many regions.