Budanov Says Campaign to Pressure Russia Into Peace Will Keep Going

What Ukraine's intelligence chief says about peace and Russia's strategic outlook

According to ХВИЛЯ: Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Defence Ministry, says the targeted measures meant to push Russia toward peace will continue. He noted that no exact deadlines were set for these actions and dismissed deadline talk as secondary. The key, he said, is getting the right result from the negotiation process. His comments come as Western allies continue to watch closely for signs of how the war might end.

'The main thing is result,' he said.

Budanov also described Moscow's strategic position as misguided, saying the Kremlin still believes it can accomplish its goals by force. 'So far I see that they believe they will be able to achieve their goals by military means. That is a false assumption,' he said.

He went on to say that, from a strategic point of view, the war has long been at a dead end for Russia:

'For them, the war is essentially in a dead end.'

Russia has planned a mobilization push for the autumn, but Budanov chose not to discuss that issue. Earlier, the publication Khvylya reported that Budanov had spoken about the end of the active phase of the war, ultimatums from Poland, and the possibility of an agreement with Russia drawing nearer. 'Please don't rush,' Budanov said, urging careful judgment about the situation.

Ukraine's priorities in negotiations

Budanov's remarks reflect Ukraine's continued diplomatic effort and its conviction that this war cannot be won through military means alone. With tensions mounting and possible Russian mobilization on the horizon, Ukraine's message remains unchanged: peace achieved through talks is the priority. That points to a drawn-out conflict and the continued need for international backing as Ukraine works toward peace.

As discussions about the future of the conflict continue, it's essential to consider the insights shared by Budanov regarding the potential timeline for the cessation of hostilities. His perspective aligns with the view that the active phase of the war may conclude by 2025, emphasizing the importance of strategic diplomacy in achieving lasting peace.