Russia is ready to take certain steps toward ending the war in the near future more than ever before, — Budanov
Kyrylo Budanov, who is part of Ukraine’s delegation in the peace negotiation process, said that contacts involving the United States are continuing despite the absence of public meetings, UATV English reports.
Speaking at the Security Architecture Forum in Kyiv, Budanov rejected claims that negotiations had stopped, stressing that only high-level political contacts are currently on pause.
“There is a certain pause in negotiations at the highest level, but at the technical level these talks have never stopped. The prisoner exchanges and other developments you have seen only confirm this,” he said.
“I do not agree with the assessment that these negotiations have been suspended,” Budanov added.
At the same time, he acknowledged that Russia has little interest in reaching peace, but argued that Moscow may nevertheless be compelled to make concessions.
“Does Russia want peace? I do not think it wants it very much. But will it be ready for certain steps in the near future? I believe those prospects are now higher than ever,” he said.
Budanov also confirmed that preparations are underway for a possible visit by US presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to both Russia and Ukraine.
Commenting on the possible involvement of European countries in future peace talks, Budanov said Europe must solve two key issues.
First, European partners need to designate a single representative.
“We need to decide who will represent Europe. It cannot be 100 people — that is not how this works. It has to be one specific person,” he said.
However, Budanov stressed that the more important issue is not who represents Europe, but what position Europe intends to pursue.
“The most important thing is what the position will be, what will be discussed, and what goals will be pursued. At the moment, that position has not been developed; it does not exist,” he said.
According to Budanov, once European partners formulate a common position, it must be aligned with Ukraine’s stance to ensure coordinated work during negotiations.
“It cannot be a swan, a crayfish, and a pike pulling in different directions. That does not work,” he added.
Read also: Zelenskyy Says Witkoff, Kushner May Visit Kyiv Soon, Backs Joint U.S.-European Mediation With Russia-Ukraine Negotiations
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4 of June 2026
