Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency, has expressed his belief that a ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia could take place this year.
“I think it is going to happen. There are most of the components for it to happen,” Budanov stated in a YouTube interview with journalist Eynulla Fatullayev.
However, he did not provide further details. Ukrainian officials generally reject the notion of a ceasefire, arguing that it would only allow Russia to regroup, rearm, and launch further aggression.
Budanov acknowledged uncertainties surrounding the potential truce, adding, “How long it will be, how effective it will be – is another question.”
Talks about a possible ceasefire have gained momentum following Donald Trump’s return to the White House for his second presidential term, as he has pledged to bring the war to a swift conclusion.
A surge in diplomatic activity regarding Ukraine, set off by a recent call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has raised concerns in Kyiv and several European capitals.
Officials worry that the two leaders could reach a rapid agreement that disregards Europe’s security interests, benefits Moscow for its invasion, and leaves Putin with the ability to threaten Ukraine or other nations in the future.
