Kremlin lowering war goals under reality pressure, Zelenskyy's office says
Photo: Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President (Getty Images)
Russia cannot achieve its initial objectives in the war against Ukraine. Therefore, it is lowering the bar and making new demands, says Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, during the Kyiv Stratcom Forum 2026.
"Time is passing, and as they are confronted with a reality that is unpleasant for them, they are forced to come up with answers for their society. And each time, the bar is lowered. Everyone can see that," Budanov says.
According to him, the Russian army initially declared the goal of "taking Kyiv in three days," but later the narrative shifted to "the Donbas at any cost."
The head of the Presidential Office notes that about a week ago, another new narrative emerged—the demand that Ukraine remain a non-nuclear state and not join any military alliances.
"This is already a new goal, meaning the bar is being lowered a bit more. That’s normal, because time is passing, and clearly, since we’re talking here right now, the goal hasn’t been achieved," he says.
Budanov believes that the Russians are thus gradually preparing their own society to accept that Ukraine’s non-alignment can be presented as part of a so-called victory.
"So they’re starting to say, 'We’ll make sure they remain non-aligned. That’s a victory too.' So this is a completely normal shift," he adds.
According to Financial Times, the Russian military command has promised Vladimir Putin that it would capture the Donbas by the fall. They report to him that the Ukrainian army is exhausted, the front is crumbling, and forces are dwindling.
However, the agency's sources claim that Putin’s ambitions are much greater. The Kremlin’s ultimate goal is to establish control over Ukraine along the Dnipro River, including the capture of Kyiv and Odesa.
The Office of the President of Ukraine has not ruled out the possibility that Putin may declare a general mobilization in the country following the State Duma elections, which are scheduled for this fall.
Meanwhile, Garry Kasparov, a leading figure in the Russian opposition, told RBC-Ukraine that there is growing talk in Russia about replacing Putin due to the failure of the war against Ukraine.
