Putin sees US position as crucial, says Ukrainian intel chief
Head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov (photo: Getty Images)
For Russian President Vladimir Putin, the position of the United States of America is of utmost importance, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Kyrylo Budanov said during a national television broadcast.
"For the head of the Kremlin, the position of the United States is extremely important. But I would like to phrase it slightly differently: yes, we depend on many factors happening around the world. But our fate is in our own hands. What will happen in a few days (when the deadline set by Trump for Putin expires – ed.) — let's wait and see. However, we must rely on ourselves," Budanov said.
Answering a question about how he would assess the sanctions against India announced by Trump and media reports suggesting that Putin is still not inclined to end the war, Budanov urged people not to rush to conclusions.
"I emphasize this point. What is happening in the media space from completely different sides — from our enemy, in our own media field, in the media of our colleagues, allies, partners, whoever — this needs to be properly understood. Each side tries to present the situation in a way that benefits them at this moment — I stress, at this moment. And each side pursues its own goals," he explained.
In his opinion, Ukrainians should rely on themselves and not rush to take everything that appears in foreign media at face value.
"One must be more cautious with the information coming from media in different countries around the world. Every country has its own national — for them, national — interests. And that's normal. We must respect that and treat it accordingly," the head of Defense Intelligence stated.
Trump's ultimatum
US President Donald Trump earlier stated that if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine by August 8, he will impose secondary sanctions and secondary tariffs against Moscow.
Media also reported that the US government is considering imposing sanctions against the shadow fleet — a scenario being prepared in case Putin refuses to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, July 6, US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow. At the same time, US President's special envoy Keith Kellogg may visit Kyiv.
Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko told RBC-Ukraine's YouTube channel that the United States may be trying to push Russia toward a ceasefire with Ukraine, although a truce still seems unlikely.
