Ukraine's top spy Budanov assesses prospects of Ukraine–US cooperation in Trump era
Photo: Kyrylo Budanov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense (HUR), is optimistic about relations between Ukraine and the US, despite concerns about a possible cooling of ties during Donald Trump’s presidency, according to his interview with Forbes.
According to him, cooperation with the US is extremely important for Ukraine both now and in the long term, and the process of building relations itself is strategic and multi-stage.
Budanov believes that Ukraine has made a civilizational choice in favor of partnership with the US.
"We understand that both sides should benefit from the relationship short and long term on many levels, including trade and joint development and communications and much else," the HUR chief said.
This is not only about the security dimension, but also about trade, joint projects, industrial development, and communication.
Budanov also recalled that Ukraine was once among the world’s most industrially developed countries and, in his view, can regain this status.
"It’s time to get back what we lost. That is our vision and determination. I am optimistic that we will do it," he said.
Ukraine–US relations
On February 28, a public dispute erupted between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump during their interaction with journalists. Trump’s sharp reaction was triggered by Zelenskyy’s statement that the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine would eventually be felt by the United States as well.
This conflict led to a series of subsequent decisions, including Washington temporarily suspending military assistance to Ukraine. Intelligence sharing between the two countries was also halted.
As Western media reported, the pause in intelligence sharing had the most painful impact on the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ operation in Russia’s Kursk region.
Later, US President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff claimed that Volodymyr Zelenskyy had allegedly apologized to Donald Trump for the conflict at the White House.
At the same time, already in the summer, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt did not rule out the possibility of providing Ukraine with air support as part of security guarantees. She clarified that Trump categorically rules out only the deployment of US troops on Ukrainian territory.
Last month, the Trump administration presented a peace initiative to end the war in Ukraine. Initially, the document consisted of 28 points, most of which did not align with Kyiv’s interests and largely took Russia’s position into account. However, the plan later underwent significant changes.
Currently, the US initiative envisages a framework agreement, a package of security guarantees, and a separate document on Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
Recently, Zelenskyy said that the plan is expected to be formalized in the form of five separate documents.
