Budanov: Russia still expects to win by military means

Russia's leadership continues to believe that it can achieve its goals in the war against Ukraine by military means. In this situation, Kyiv will combine the negotiation process with further pressure on the aggressor state.

This was stated by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, commenting on the prospects of negotiations with the Russian Federation.

According to him, Moscow still counts on the continuation of hostilities and has not abandoned attempts to change the situation on the battlefield in its favor.

“The Russians believe they can achieve their goal by military means,” — Budanov said.

The Head of the Office of the President emphasized that Ukraine continues to participate in the negotiation process, but evaluates it not by the number of meetings or the duration of contacts, but by the specific result.

Budanov noted that the mere fact of negotiations does not guarantee an end to the war. Agreements must lead to a real change in the situation and ensure the implementation of the reached decisions.

At the same time, Ukraine will continue its special operation to compel Russia to peace. The Head of the Office of the President did not disclose the details of its implementation or the specific measures included in this campaign.

According to Budanov, the previously established deadlines and the total duration of this process are not decisive at the moment. The main criterion remains the achievement of a result that will force the Russian side to abandon the continuation of the war.

Thus, Ukraine does not consider diplomatic contacts as a substitute for military and other forms of pressure. Kyiv intends to strengthen its positions until the further waging of war becomes less advantageous for Russia than a transition to a peaceful settlement.

Budanov also did not specify when the next round of negotiations might take place, which issues the parties plan to discuss as a priority.

Based on materials from: Suspilne