Budanov: A truce with Russia could happen fast, but real peace remains out of reach
HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov (Photo: Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry via Facebook)
While a quick cease-fire with Russia is possible, achieving
a lasting peace is not, head of Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence Kyrylo
Budanov said in an interview with Ukrinform
on Feb. 27.
When asked about Russia’s approach to peace negotiations,
Budanov said Moscow is using a “carrot and stick” tactic, applying pressure on
Ukraine while offering financial incentives to other parties involved.
“This has always been the case, and nothing will change for
them. The real question is a truce or peace. These are completely different
things. Reaching a truce quickly, in my personal opinion, is generally
realistic. Reaching peace quickly is not,” Budanov emphasized.
He also noted that if Russia does not exit the war by 2026,
it will lose its chance at global leadership.
“Yes, they need a pause. [...] They will, at best, retain
regional influence, which does not satisfy them at all. The cost of war is too
high, especially financially. It prevents them from developing the country,
investing in large-scale projects, and more,” he explained.
According to Budanov, Russia lacks key technologies,
particularly in Arctic resource development and gas extraction.
Earlier, Budanov also said that despite leadership
reshuffles in Russia, Vladimir Putin’s inner circle remains unchanged. He noted
that former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s influence has significantly
diminished, while Nikolai Patrushev continues to wield power.
On Feb. 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated
that any agreements to end the war without Ukraine or Europe’s participation
would be a mistake. He expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump has no
such intentions.
On Feb. 16, Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that Trump’s
administration told European officials it aims to secure a cease-fire in
Ukraine by Easter.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmaker Fedir Venislavskyi, from the
ruling Servant of the People party, said a cease-fire agreement in Ukraine
would not automatically mean the end of martial law.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
