Respected in US and Russia: Bloomberg reveals Ukraine presidential chief's negotiation style
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov (photo: Getty Images)
The Head of the Office of President Kyrylo Budanov is valued by both sides of the negotiation process. Allies consider him effective, while Kremlin-linked officials respect him as a combat officer, Bloomberg reports, citing conversations with Budanov and several sources in different circles.
What allies say
People who have spoken with Budanov note that on the international stage, he has received approval from Ukraine allies. He is described as "punchy, direct, and somewhat sarcastic" in negotiations.
Western officials emphasize that he has proven his effectiveness – maintaining backchannel communication with Moscow and stable contacts in the Persian Gulf. It was there that negotiations took place before they were suspended by the war between the United States and Israel against Iran.
Why is he respected even in Russia?
"Perhaps more surprisingly, Russian counterparts also respect Budanov as a war hero, according to several officials close to the Kremlin," Bloomberg publication says.
At the same time, in the administration of Donald Trump, he is also viewed positively – in particular by White House envoy Steve Witkoff. This means that Budanov is taken seriously by all sides of the negotiations.
He himself described relations with the United States as "good," but declined to specify whom he communicates with most often in White House.
"The stakes are even higher in the international arena. Several people familiar with the matter said that his approach to the peace talks is more effective than that of his predecessor," Bloomberg writes.
This refers to the former head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak.
How Budanov describes his style
The Head of Office of the President calls himself a pragmatist. According to him, negotiations with Russians are focused on "language, numbers, facts, dates — everything else doesn't matter."
Publicly, he refrains from dismissive statements about the enemy. Russians, according to him, are pragmatic and professional. They "also know very well how to negotiate," Budanov adds.
Budanov headed the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on August 5, 2020. Since January 2, 2026, he has led the Office of the President for more than 100 days.
Meanwhile, Budanov also said that negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow are moving toward an agreement.
"I don't think it will last long," he said. He named the financial factor as the main driver for the Kremlin: unlike Ukraine, Russia spends its own funds, already in trillions.
According to him, such acknowledgment would mean demonstration of its own weakness, which would undermine Kremlin rhetoric in negotiations.
