Budanov: Russia does not want to stop the war along the line of demarcation

Head of the President's Office Kirill Budanov said that ending the war along the line of demarcation is currently impossible, and negotiations with Russia mainly concern prisoner exchanges, according to Українська правда.

He said this in an interview broadcast on Friday on the United Telethon.

"Russia currently does not want to stop the war along the line (of demarcation – ed.), categorically does not want to. Currently (negotiations) are mainly limited to prisoner exchanges."

According to him, these are the main aspects on which the dialogue with the Russians currently rests.

"I think very soon everyone will see negotiations, but this is rather a technical side, (which) will concern preparation for something bigger", — said the head of the OP.

Budanov also noted that Ukraine cannot stop the war now, and hostilities will continue in winter.

"We will not stop the war now, not because we do not want to, but simply because it is unrealistic", — he said.

When asked whether Ukraine will fight in winter, Budanov replied: "Unfortunately, I am afraid, yes!"

The head of the OP also announced a new major prisoner exchange.

"There will be another major (exchange) very soon", — Budanov said.