Ukraine's intelligence chief: War can't end without Trump
Photo: Head of the Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
A window of opportunity to end the war in Ukraine will open only in February 2026. At the same time, it will be impossible to end the war without the involvement of US President Donald Trump, said Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence.
Budanov noted that ending the war against Russia and signing a peace agreement depends on the convergence of several critical factors, both within Russia and in foreign policy, including in the US and Europe.
"We will approach this in the winter… Our window will open again in mid-February. All events will take place at the beginning and middle of February," he said, commenting on the question of when exactly this combination of critical factors might occur.
Budanov also stressed that Trump is currently an important figure for Ukraine. His actions are systematic and consistent, and without Trump’s involvement, there is currently no possibility for a real cessation of hostilities.
"Without his intervention, I don't think there is a chance to stop the fighting. As of now," Budanov concluded.
Another peace plan from the US
Meanwhile, according to media reports, the US and Russia have prepared a peace plan for Ukraine that includes meeting the Kremlin’s maximalist demands. Among other things, the plan calls for Ukraine to give up part of its territory and certain types of weapons.
Ukraine is expected to be presented with the initiative as a fait accompli - an American delegation is scheduled to deliver it in Kyiv tomorrow, November 20. The plan was developed without Ukraine's participation.
Preliminary reports indicate that former American and Russian officials worked on the plan. In the US, it has already been assessed as too favorable for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A source in Ukraine said Kyiv considers the plan completely unacceptable. Meanwhile, the Kremlin claimed it had never heard of the initiative.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indirectly confirmed the reports, noting that many peace processes are currently being activated in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. All of them must be aimed at achieving a dignified peace.
