Budanov: Russians know how to negotiate too
Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov said participants in talks on ending the war on the Russian side understand the real situation and "also know very well how to negotiate." Budanov was appointed to head the presidential office in January 2026.
"Everyone understands the real situation... They have exact data – maps, figures, calculations, how long resources will last, how much it will cost," he said in an interview with Bloomberg published on Tuesday.
He also said replacing the Russian participants in the negotiations could weaken Ukraine's position.
"In the worst case, they will be removed and executed... And that will only weaken our positions. Because those who come next - even if they want to achieve something - will look at what happened to their predecessors and will never agree to anything," the head of the presidential office said.
At the same time, Budanov described himself as a pragmatist and said his talks with the Russians are focused on "language, numbers, facts, dates – everything else does not matter."
Bloomberg, citing its own sources, reported that Budanov's approach to peace talks is more effective than that of his predecessor, and that on the international stage he has won praise from Ukraine's allies, who see him as sharp, direct and somewhat sarcastic in negotiations. Unnamed Western officials told the publication that Budanov had proved effective in talks with Russia by maintaining a back channel to Moscow and strong contacts in the Gulf. People close to the Kremlin told the outlet that Russian officials also respect Budanov as a war hero.
While he described his relations with the United States as "good," Budanov declined in the Bloomberg interview to say with whom he speaks most often at the White House.
As for his political plans, Bloomberg said Budanov and those around him refuse to share their views even off the record, arguing that speculation on the issue could harm the country.
Asked whether he might run for president when elections are announced, Budanov replied: "Interesting question. Next one."