"Many citizens are still under Russian occupation, and time can't be wasted anymore," said Budanov on May 19 in Kyiv.
At the same time, he suggests Ukrainian troops are currently ill-equipped for a prolonged battle. Budanov says they urgently need large amounts of weapons and ammunition to ensure the counteroffensive is not launched in vain.
Bakhmut on brink
The Russians say they have seized full control of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region after months of fierce fighting. But the Ukrainians insist their troops are still counterattacking in the city suburbs.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy knows his country needs more support. His tireless push to secure more arms and aid saw him attend the G7 summit last weekend in Hiroshima.
Zelenskyy departed Japan with the pledges he came for. But ultimately, actions speak louder than words. Budanov said ahead of the summit he'll be watching closely to see exactly how far the United States and Europe go to ensure Ukraine can sustain the fightback.
Fighter jets
"We need more weapons. And we need fighter jets," he says. "I hope the international community is really ready to support us."
Budanov knows time is running out. "We are blocking 90 percent of the attacks on our military," he says, citing the effectiveness of his country's air defense systems. But he also reveals that the Russians are hurting Ukraine's preparations for a counteroffensive by targeting key logistical hubs and troops under formation.
China's role
When asked about China, Budanov says the country is not providing Russia with weapons despite their deepening military ties. But "many electronics are being supplied," he says, adding that they could be used as parts for missiles.
When it comes to victory, Budanov is confident. The conflict has raged on and on, but he says that's exactly why Ukraine's troops must seize the moment.
The Russian army is "far from the armed forces that started the invasion...
"It's not rare for a mechanic on a submarine or cruiser to be sent away with a machine gun. 'Now you are a marine infantry. Go storm the stronghold.'
"Well, the result is appropriate."
Expert sees long operation
Japanese defense expert Ohara Bonji says it could take months or even years to push Russia's troops out. He also suggests Budanov's comments about Ukraine's readiness were entirely expected.
"Ukrainian officials cannot say Ukraine is not ready. And they must call on the international community to provide support. They need ammunition and weapons," Ohara said on Tuesday.
Ohara, a Senior Fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, believes Ukraine does have enough ammunition to start an offensive, but not enough to keep it going.
And like Budanov, he thinks success or failure could be decided in the skies. Asked about F-16 fighter jets, Ohara says the aircraft could play two important roles. "One is dogfights... and the other is to provide support by striking targets on the ground."