Budanov calls ending the war before winter “realistic”

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, publicly backed Vladimir Zelensky’s goal of halting hostilities before winter, calling it achievable.

The statements were made at the international forum “Security Architecture” in Kyiv on June 1.

Zelensky has tasked his team with engaging all diplomatic channels to end the war with Russia before winter. Budanov’s address at the forum was the clearest signal yet from Ukrainian leadership that it sees a path to ending hostilities within the coming months.

“I confirm: indeed, his effort is to stop the fighting as soon as possible, preferably before winter. And I, as head of the President’s Office, will do everything possible to achieve the goal set by the president. In my view, it is absolutely correct, timely, and well thought out,” — Budanov told journalists at the forum.

When asked whether this goal was realistic, Budanov replied with a single word: “Realistic.” He added that while Russia may refuse, “as of today there are real signs that the ground for a cessation of hostilities already exists.”

Zelensky laid the groundwork for this step in an interview with CBS on the program “Face the Nation” on May 31. He said that Ukraine’s improved position on the battlefield opens a window for negotiations before winter arrives. Zelensky stated that Russia had begun losing the initiative on the battlefield in December 2025, and that Moscow is no longer able to seize more territory than Ukrainian forces can liberate.

Ukraine’s campaign of long-range drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure has, according to Zelensky, strengthened Kyiv’s negotiating position. According to Reuters data published in May, nearly all of the largest oil refineries in central Russia were forced to halt or reduce production as a result of Ukrainian strikes. Zelensky cited this damage as evidence that Ukraine’s position has significantly strengthened.

Contrary to perceptions of diplomatic stagnation, negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia are continuing at the working level. According to Ukrainska Pravda, “there is a certain pause at the highest level, but talks have not stopped at the technical level.” According to RBC-Ukraine, a visit by U.S. presidential envoys to Kyiv is expected in the near future, and a trip to Moscow is also planned. The intensification of efforts comes ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November, which, according to sources, are prompting the Trump administration to demonstrate progress in resolving the war.