Chief of Intelligence comments on peace talks without Ukraine's participation
Photo: Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, believes that peace negotiations should involve all parties to the conflict. He makes such a statement in an interview with Defence24.
In particular, Budanov was asked about his views on peace talks without Ukraine’s direct participation, and whether such talks could lead to a long-term and fair resolution of the conflict.
"Final and effective negotiations between the warring countries are impossible without the participation of all conflict parties," he stated.
US and Russia negotiations
On February 18, negotiations took place in Saudi Arabia between representatives of the United States and Russia. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that the meeting went positively.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that he is "convinced of Russia’s readiness to begin a serious process to determine how to end the war."
The Trump administration announced shuttle diplomacy, stating that they would engage with both sides of the conflict.
The Ukrainian side emphasized that any peace negotiations cannot take place without Ukraine’s involvement. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not recognize the outcomes of the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy postponed his planned visit to Saudi Arabia, stating that he does not want any "coincidences" following the meeting between the Russian and American delegations.
