Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President, said Tuesday, Feb. 24, that even in wartime there must be limits that neither side should cross, including strikes on political centers and locations where national leaders are present.
In a comment to RBC-Ukraine, Budanov said war is inherently brutal but must still be governed by certain principles.
“This is a terrible event that takes thousands of lives, destroys cities and breaks destinies. But even here there must be certain boundaries that cannot be crossed under any circumstances,” he said.
Budanov called targeted shelling of hospitals and maternity wards, strikes on historical and cultural sites, and the killing of civilians – especially children – unacceptable.
“Despite the cruelty of war, I cannot understand who and under what circumstances can raise a weapon against a child or an elderly person who is physically unable to resist,” he said, calling such actions a “loss of human dignity.”
Budanov also spoke out against strikes on political decision-making centers and the locations of national leaders.
“It does not matter whether we are talking about Kyiv or a Valdai situation,” he said, in a subtle reference to Vladimir Putin’s palatial residence northwest of Moscow, where his lover, former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, is said to live.
Budanov stressed that adherence to basic rules is particularly important during difficult peace negotiations.
“Only this way can we bring a long-awaited, sustainable peace closer,” Budanov said.