Ukraine's intel chief makes statement on peace talks with US
Photo: Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Negotiations between Ukraine and the United States on ending the war with Russia are not merely bilateral. The dialogue is complex and multilateral, states Head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense (HUR), Kyrylo Budanov, in an interview with Forbes.
As Forbes writes, Budanov is personally involved in the peace talks and is able to assess US intentions by "reading the subtle cues and overt demands of the White House team."
"Actually, they have brought a new impetus and energy to the process. I can say I am optimistic about the future," the head of the HUR believes.
The media outlet notes that Budanov limited himself to minimal comments and was unable to disclose all the details.
"Multilateral and complex, not just simply bilateral," he said, commenting on the talks with the United States.
US demands
The US has developed a 28-point peace plan to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. It notably included ultimatum-style demands by the Kremlin as conditions for ending the war.
One of the most controversial issues remains territory. The US wants Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the Donetsk region and effectively hand it over to Russian control as a concession. Russia is making the same demand.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly stressed that he will not give away Ukrainian territory to anyone. According to him, this is prohibited by the Constitution and international law.
He has also emphasized that it would be fair to begin a ceasefire along the current front line.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to cynically accuse Ukraine and the West of allegedly being the reason the war has not yet ended.
