Head of Zelenskyy's Office optimistic about talks with Russia: "I don't think it will take long"

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the President's Office and member of Ukraine's negotiating team, has said the parties are moving towards a possible peace agreement, adding that he does not expect the process to take much time, although Russia may still refuse.

Source: Budanov in an interview with Bloomberg

Quote: "They all understand the war needs to end. That's why they are negotiating. I don't think it will be long."

Details: Budanov noted that both sides had taken "maximalist" positions during the talks but expressed hope that a compromise could be found.

He said that Russia has a clear incentive to reach a deal: "Unlike us, they are spending their own money. These are enormous sums – already in the trillions."

The head of the President's Office declined to specify what a potential compromise on Ukrainian territories might look like: "No final decision has been made yet. But, in principle, everyone now clearly understands the limits of what is acceptable. That's enormous progress."

When asked what would happen if the talks with Russia failed to produce an agreement to end the war, Budanov replied: "Do you think there is some kind of magic wand? There are only two options – war or peace. Not just continuing the war, but continuing negotiations. If they agree to that – because they might not."

Budanov also said Russia does not face a shortage of troops and could mobilise a potential reserve of up to 23.5 million people if needed.

He noted that this estimate dates back to his time as head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and is based on a report on Russia's mobilisation potential prepared for Putin in late 2025.

Meanwhile, two anonymous sources close to the Kremlin said there has been little real progress in the talks, with discussions stalled over security guarantees for Ukraine.

They say that resolving the conflict would require a broader agreement beyond Moscow and Kyiv, involving the United States and Europe.

The only tangible result of this year's negotiations, the sources said, is that both sides have outlined positions unacceptable to the other.

Budanov added that one of the key achievements of the peace talks has been maintaining the involvement of US President Donald Trump's administration as a mediator.

He also said Ukraine expects key White House representatives in the talks, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to lead a US delegation that may visit Kyiv next week – their first visit to Ukraine since the start of the war.

According to an American source, a visit to Kyiv has been discussed, but the White House has not yet set a date.

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