Russia lowers bar for war aims as reality sets in, head of Zelenskyy's office says

Russia is lowering the bar on its war goals because it is unable to achieve its original objectives, with the Russian authorities now talking about Ukraine's non-aligned and non-nuclear status, Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov has said.

Source: Ukrinform, a Ukrainian news agency, citing Budanov at the Kyiv StratCom Forum 2026

Quote: "Time passes and, under the influence of the unpleasant reality they [the Russians – ed.] are facing, they have to find answers for their own society. And each time this bar [regarding the aims of the war – ed.] is lowered. Everyone can see that.

About a week ago, if I am not mistaken, yet another new narrative appeared: 'Ukraine must become a non-nuclear state and must not join any military alliances'. This is a new goal, which means the bar is being lowered a little further. That is normal, because time is passing and – obviously, since you and I are here, talking – the goal has not been achieved."

Details: Budanov said he believes the Russian authorities are preparing their society to accept the idea that Ukraine's non-aligned status will count as part of a victory in the war.

Quote: "So they are starting to say they will achieve the fact that [Ukraine] will be non-Alliance [agree to never join NATO – ed.], for example. That is also a victory. So this is an entirely normal transformation."

Background:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff on 17 May that Ukraine has taken note of reports regarding Russia's plans to mobilise 100,000 people and is preparing to reinforce its troops on the Chernihiv-Kyiv front.
• Zelenskyy has said earlier that a withdrawal of Ukraine's forces from Donbas will not end the Russia-Ukraine war and will instead enable Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to keep as many as one million troops, rebuild his forces and attack Ukraine again.

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