Kyrylo Budanov's remarks on the situation in Ukraine
In an interview with the British newspaper The Times, Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, addressed numerous assassination attempts orchestrated by the Kremlin, the negotiation process, the nuclear threat, prisoner exchanges, mobilization, and Ukraine's defense strategy. Budanov, who has led the Presidential Office since January 2025, previously served as the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) from August 2020. During his tenure, he has survived at least ten attempts on his life.
As Ukraine's chief negotiator with Russia, Budanov commented on the difficulties surrounding prisoner exchanges. He noted that a proposed swap involving a thousand prisoners from each side fell through. In 2024, Ukraine's Security Service uncovered a planned ballistic missile strike targeting Budanov's convoy, a plot orchestrated by two colonels from the State Guard Service.
Nuclear threat and mobilization
Additionally, Lieutenant General Budanov highlighted the nuclear threat posed by Russia. He stated that Russia has the capability to launch a nuclear strike at any time, but this, in his view, depends on the political will of the Kremlin leadership.
“I have not seen any indicators of preparations for a nuclear strike. If there were any, I would know,” Budanov said.
Regarding mobilization, Budanov expressed that Ukraine cannot attract a large number of volunteers due to economic challenges and the prolonged nature of the war.
“It is impossible due to economic problems, and it is impossible because after 12 and a half years of war, there is no way to motivate such a large number of people to volunteer,” he stated.
Budanov also emphasized that Ukraine is fighting 'the most horrific full-scale, total war today,' involving million-strong troop formations. 'There is no other way. Otherwise, the country will simply collapse,' he added.
Among other key facts, Budanov's wife, Marianna, was poisoned with heavy metals in 2023, and in 2019, a bomb placed under Budanov's car exploded prematurely, causing a Russian agent to lose a hand. NATO estimates Russia's military losses at 20,000 to 25,000 soldiers per month.
In conclusion, Budanov noted that his work involves no micromanagement, but rather full delegation of authority to the right people and accountability for results. 'I don't need to trust anyone; I need to achieve results,' he summarized.
Budanov's comments underscore the complexity of the situation in Ukraine, particularly in the context of negotiations with Russia and the challenges facing Ukrainian society and its economy amid a prolonged war. His remarks on the nuclear threat and mobilization highlight the severity of the military situation and the need to sustain the country's defense mechanisms. Such statements may also influence international policy and the stance of Western partners toward Ukraine, which is crucial given the current geopolitical landscape.