Budanov responsible for POW exchanges with Russia — former HUR head / The New Voice of Ukraine

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), led by Kyrylo Budanov, is responsible for non-kinetic interactions with Russia, including some diplomatic aspects, former HUR chief Valeriy Kondratyuk told NV Radio on Oct. 2.

Kondratyuk noted that while the progress of the war on the battlefield was key for determining the ultimate settlement of the conflict before 2024, the focus has now shifted to elements of hybrid warfare.

“The year 2024 shows that neither side can achieve [decisive] success on the battlefield today, despite Russia's gradual advances,” said Kondratyuk.

“Our victory can only come from a hybrid approach that we have already initiated and need to develop further. This approach must encompass not only military action in Russia but also diplomacy, where HUR plays a significant role.”

Budanov personally plays an important role in these efforts, Kondratyuk added.

“Currently, closed communications with so-called Russian elites are overseen by Budanov,” he said.

“I think it’s time to openly state that his efforts have been instrumental in facilitating prisoner exchanges, not just through international bodies playing intermediary roles.”