The peace process to find a configuration that would prevent Russia’s war against Ukraine from recurring is ongoing. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov stated this in an interview at the Kyiv Security Forum.
Kyrylo Budanov noted that the situation around Iran is negatively affecting the intensity of peace negotiations on ending the war started by Russia against Ukraine. At the same time, Ukraine expects a visit from the envoys of the U.S. President – Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
“The red line is clear. I think everyone understands it. First: we will recognize nothing – that will not happen, no matter what anyone tries. And it will not be that simple, don’t even dream of it. As for Donbas, I am sure, we will find a solution that satisfies us first and foremost, because it is our land, and no one has the right to trade it,” he said.
The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine emphasized that for successful negotiations, Ukraine must not lose momentum on the frontline. According to him, there are already developments of drones capable of independently identifying targets and maneuvering, and these technologies need to be scaled up.
“We need a new technological breakthrough – namely, artificial intelligence technologies and new technologies for transmitting control signals. Because with the ones we have now, I believe both we and the Russians have already reached our limit. From here on, it can only be increased quantitatively, but that will not solve the problem,” he noted.
Strikes on Russian oil facilities are also strengthening Ukraine’s position. Kyrylo Budanov is convinced that they inflict not only concrete financial losses on the aggressor, but also a reputational blow, as they call into question Russia’s ability to deliver raw materials to destination countries on time.
“Our strength – internal strength – is our unity. Our external strength is our work with partners and allies. But our internal strength is our unity, our resilience, and our ability to fight. If we are divided internally, nothing else matters at all,” Kyrylo Budanov concluded.