Kirilo Budanov, Ukraine’s chief presidential advisor, announced on Friday that technical discussions regarding the ongoing war with Russia are likely to take place in the near future. However, he cautioned that a quick resolution should not be anticipated, according to Reuters.
“I believe everyone will see that negotiations will begin very soon. However, these discussions will primarily focus on technical aspects and preparations for something important, which I hope we will ultimately reach,” Budanov stated in an interview with the YouTube project “Moseichuk+.”
The peace talks backed by the United States have yet to yield tangible results in efforts to end a conflict that has now stretched into its fifth year. The last trilateral negotiations occurred in February.
When asked if the fighting would extend throughout the winter, Budanov deemed it “unrealistic” to expect the war to conclude at this time.
Russia and Ukraine Must Move Towards Each Other
In recent months, both parties have significantly escalated their attacks on logistical, port, and energy infrastructure. Additionally, it is anticipated that Russia will resume its relentless campaign against Ukraine’s electrical grid as winter approaches.
Budanov, who represents Ukraine in negotiations, emphasized the necessity for both Ukraine and Russia to reach a point where they are ready to make simultaneous concessions. He noted that Kyiv is open to this concept.
“At this moment, the Russian Federation — and I convey this as someone deeply involved in this process — makes it clear: ‘Perhaps we would like to, but no,'” he remarked.
Russia’s primary demand is for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas region, which Russian forces have been unable to fully occupy during the extensive invasion lasting over four years. Kyiv has maintained that it will not relinquish any territory currently under its control.
