Budanov stated that the negotiation process could lead to an end to the war
Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, stated that the negotiation process itself could be the path to ending the war between Ukraine and Russia.
He said this in an interview with The Times.
According to Budanov, he believes in the possibility of achieving a resolution through negotiations and considers this process a realistic path to peace.
He also noted that his experience in intelligence gives him an understanding of the Russian side’s approaches, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as its “red lines.”
Budanov added that previously established indirect channels of communication, which were used, in particular, for prisoner exchanges, could also be useful in a broader negotiation process.
Ukraine is ready for dialogue with Russia provided Moscow is genuinely committed to serious talks, but such meetings require careful preparation. Any direct contacts between the leaders of the warring states do not occur spontaneously or via ordinary telephone communication.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he is ready to hold a summit with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, and the search for an appropriate format is currently underway.
