Zelenskyy's top aide comments on Trump's surprising tone change toward Ukraine
Photo: Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Presidential Administration (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has drastically changed his stance on Ukraine because he respects winners, says Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in an exclusive interview with RBC-Ukraine.
His theory of the American President is almost aphoristic: Trump, like "everyone in the world," loves winners and has no patience for those who lose. The task in front of Ukraine, then, is not persuasion but performance — proving results on the battlefield rather than showcasing them. "Not showing it — actually having it," he says.
In his view, this will give Ukraine a chance to maintain support. It is extremely important not as a symbol of something, but as very concrete steps.
The head of the Office of the President adds that right now, everyone is working specifically toward victory. However, the form that victory takes depends entirely on Ukraine.
For it to be genuine, Ukraine needs allies, partners, and friends. However, even this requires a fight.
Zelenskyy's top aide comments on Trump's surprising tone change toward Ukraine pic.twitter.com/UsBCTN6PDi
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) July 7, 2026
The head of the Presidential Office speaks candidly about his work with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In addition, Budanov warned that Warsaw is preparing a series of ill-advised escalatory steps.
The head of the Presidential Office declined a Polish award following Nawrocki's decision regarding Zelenskyy.
