Can war in Ukraine end this year? Senior Ukrainian official weighs in

Budanov said there was a chance that the active phase of the war could end this year. He noted that negotiations had moved at a genuinely promising pace in the spring before both sides entered the current cycle of escalation.

"To break out of an escalation, you usually have to escalate to the maximum," he said.

Budanov said he expected the current escalation to be followed by de-escalation and a return to dialogue, provided both sides remained interested. He added that he believed Russia, which has so far shown no willingness to engage in dialogue, would eventually become interested.

Asked whether this window of opportunity was connected to the US congressional elections in November, Budanov replied:

"One factor... but not the main one, though fairly significant."

Budanov was also asked about the view that Russia understands it needs to reach an agreement with current US President Donald Trump because it is unlikely to achieve anything favorable with his successor. He said he largely agreed with that assessment but noted that Trump still had significant time left in office.

"He has at least two more years," Budanov said.

Budanov added that, regardless of the outcome of the congressional elections, Trump would remain the leading political figure in the United States. He said any complications following the elections would mainly affect domestic politics.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump had begun to view Ukraine differently. The reason is Ukraine's successful long-range strikes against Russia, and Trump wants to be on the side that is succeeding.

The outcome of Russia's war against Ukraine will be decided in the skies, the president is convinced. In this regard, Ukraine is competitive.