Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President, stated that halting the war along the current line of contact is currently impossible, confirming that fighting will continue through the upcoming winter.
Speaking on the national joint newscast, Budanov said that Russia refuses to stop the war, making any immediate freeze “unrealistic.” He noted that ongoing dialogue with Moscow is currently limited almost entirely to prisoner exchanges, announcing that another major swap will take place “very soon.”
However, Budanov hinted at broader diplomatic efforts, characterizing these exchanges as a technical track that concerns “preparations for something major.”
In a separate interview broadcast on Aug. 28, Budanov revealed that during trilateral negotiations in 2025, Russian delegates mistakenly interpreted peaceful protests in Ukraine as a Western-orchestrated coup.
Believing the Ukrainian government was about to fall, the Russian representatives told Budanov that “the war is over” and further dialogue was pointless.
Budanov said he explained to the Russian delegation that they were misinterpreting Ukrainian society and being fed disinformation by their agents. He noted that the Russian representatives later admitted their mistake, acknowledging their expectations of capitalizing on the situation were unmet.
Potential September talks and peace proposals
Budanov’s latest remarks follow his Aug. 27 statement indicating that a new round of paused negotiations could be “revived” as early as September, potentially involving the US.
The diplomatic push aligns with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s confirmation that Kyiv has submitted new proposals to Washington. The framework outlines three key elements for ending the war: a ceasefire, the creation of a demilitarized free economic zone, and ironclad security guarantees involving the EU and NATO.
However, the Kremlin continues to demonstrate little appetite for compromise. Reports indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not resume talks until his forces seize the remainder of the Donbas, while also seeking to turn occupied parts of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions into buffer zones.
Despite Moscow’s maximalist demands and rejection of limited de-escalation offers, diplomats are reportedly exploring a pause in long-range aerial attacks as a potential confidence-building measure.
Mobilization targets and recruitment reforms
Alongside the diplomatic track, Budanov emphasized the ongoing manpower requirements for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stating on Aug. 28 that the military must mobilize a minimum of 30,000 people monthly to maintain its current frontline positions.
While defending the necessity of the draft, Budanov acknowledged public anger over instances of forceful mobilization by Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TCCs), stating that such cases must be tackled.
The Defense Ministry is currently preparing a reform of the TCC system. Parliamentary officials have indicated that “radical” changes to mobilization procedures – potentially including revisions to conscription-age rules – are under consideration, though a shift to an exclusively voluntary system is not planned.