Russia’s war against Ukraine is rooted in centuries-old imperial ambitions that have not changed despite shifts in regime, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said.
In an interview with the Arab outlet Al-Modon, he argued that lasting security for Ukraine and Europe will only be possible when Russia ceases to exist as an empire, while firmly rejecting any territorial concessions to Moscow.
Budanov noted that the war has effectively lasted 12 years – since 2014 – longer than the First and Second World Wars combined. Over that time, he said, Russia has grown weaker economically, politically and demographically, but its imperial ambitions have remained intact.
“The change of regimes in Russia has not changed its essence,” he said, adding that neither the tsarist, Soviet nor current system prioritized improving citizens’ lives.
“The policy of the current Russian president is not much different from the policy of the tsarist or Soviet eras.”
According to Budanov, Russia will not transform through internal processes alone.
“We should create conditions under which Russia as an empire will disappear,” he said, suggesting that several regional nation-states could eventually emerge in its place.
“Only then will Ukraine, Europe and the whole world feel more secure.”
He stressed that Ukrainians will not accept territorial concessions. The issue of territory, he said, remained central during recent trilateral talks in Geneva involving the US.
“Territories are the main issue. Everything else is secondary,” Budanov said, expressing confidence that all occupied lands would eventually be liberated.
The Kremlin’s ultimate goal, he added, is not limited to individual regions but encompasses all of Ukraine.
“It is naive to think that Moscow, having seized some territories without a fight, will abandon its expansionist ambitions. Therefore, the only real deterrent is the Ukrainian army.”
Budanov rejected the possibility of a “Korean scenario,” saying Ukrainian society would never accept such an outcome.
“I am confident that the Ukrainian people will reject any proposals concerning our land. All occupied territories are only temporarily occupied and will inevitably be liberated in time.”
He also emphasized that Russia has failed to fully occupy any Ukrainian region during 12 years of war and expressed confidence that this would not change.
While focused on negotiations, Budanov said discussions about potential presidential elections during a hypothetical ceasefire are premature.
“My task now is to establish an effective negotiation process. Talking about elections in the current circumstances is pointless.”
According to Budanov, Russia will ultimately be forced to accept US-backed security guarantees for Ukraine during negotiations, “whether it likes it or not.”
He added that US President Donald Trump’s plan has, for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion, made it possible to discuss the prospect of a real peace.
Budanov argued that economic pressure on Russia must continue even after hostilities end to prevent Moscow from rebuilding its military capabilities. He also said that Russia’s frozen assets and future revenues should be directed toward reparations for Ukraine.
As for the possibility of ending the war by summer, Budanov described the process as “complex and multifaceted,” making it impossible to set precise timelines.
“Of course, we are doing everything possible to speed it up,” he added.