In an exclusive interview with Kyiv Post Chief Editor Bohdan Nahaylo and journalist Kateryna Zakharchenko, the Head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) Kyrylo Budanov discussed US President Donald Trump’s changing stance on Ukraine, identified key pro-Ukrainian voices within his team, and emphasized the strategic role of US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, who, according to Budanov, has been advocating for increased military support, stricter sanctions enforcement, and a “Marshall Plan” for Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
In your opinion, Sir, Lt. Gen. Budanov, has Donald Trump’s position on Ukraine really changed? Will it now become more pro-Ukrainian?
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The position of no person can remain static. It changes under the influence of circumstances or new information. There are many factors that can affect this. Has Donald Trump’s position changed? Both yes and no. He has never been an opponent of Ukraine. We must not forget that the first batches of American weapons were received precisely during his first term. Another matter is that his position should be reasonably pro-Ukrainian. It should be pro-American. He is the president of the United States of America. And he primarily defends the interests of his own country. We may like it or not, but that’s how it was, is, and will be.
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Another point is that we can and must influence the decisions of the US president – through diplomacy, through contacts within his circle. And this is exactly what has affected the evolution of his position on aid to Ukraine. Recently, a balance has been found between the interests of Ukraine and the US.
When speaking of Donald Trump’s team, who can be called Ukraine’s best friends among them?
The key point for Ukraine is that there are no enemies of Ukraine on this team. Of course, there are people who, to put it mildly, are skeptical about the aid provided to us. But there are also those who consider such aid clearly insufficient. In this sense, first and foremost, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio can be named, as well as the US president’s Special Envoy, Keith Kellogg. Their stance is absolutely clear – aid to Ukraine is part of US national interests. Therefore, it should continue and increase both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Lately, Keith Kellogg has become the main newsmaker on the topic of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Was his active stance on supporting Ukraine unexpected?
This stance did not appear yesterday. Keith Kellogg supported Ukraine even before the full-scale invasion. He served as the national security adviser to the US president during Donald Trump’s first term. Even then, he was among the “hawks” in the Republican Party who advocated for a tough stance toward Russia and Putin.
After the start of the full-scale invasion, he repeatedly criticized the previous administration for indecisive actions and the constant fear of crossing Putin’s mythical “red lines.” He clearly stated that the United States must lead the effort to achieve a just peace. He emphasized that Ukraine must be provided with modern weapons not only to organize effective defense but also to conduct counteroffensives. On this issue, his position is absolutely clear.
His vision does not always coincide with that of the current administration.
Not exactly. Once again, President Trump is a pragmatist and thinks in terms of mutual benefit. One may agree with this or criticize it, but that’s how the world works.
As for Keith Kellogg’s stance, he was among the first to lobby for supplying Ukraine with ATACMS systems and F-16 aircraft. He also lobbied for the allocation of additional Patriot systems and interceptor missiles to Ukraine. This will help protect thousands of Ukrainians – primarily civilians.
He clearly states that aid to Ukraine fully aligns with the principle of “America First.” Ultimately, we have a common enemy. And for America, it is strategically important today to weaken Russia without deploying its own troops. This also, in the long run, affects the situation in the Pacific region. But that is a different story altogether.
So, do you give a high evaluation of Keith Kellogg’s work in Ukraine?
We must understand that Mr. Kellogg’s work is not limited solely to contacts with the Ukrainian side. He actively works with all our Western partners. This is a complex set of important issues that require resolution.
For instance, before visiting Ukraine, he participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. He held several meetings with participants regarding future investments. In general, Keith Kellogg advocates for introducing a special “Marshall Plan” for Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction.
After his visit to Ukraine, Mr. Kellogg participated in events in Germany. The recent progress in the supply of air defense systems is largely linked to the efforts of the US president’s special envoy.
Today, he is actively involved in negotiations concerning Ukraine’s defense and the conclusion of peace. Perhaps this is precisely why his work so unnerves Russia.
So, his work must be evaluated comprehensively.
Did you have personal contact with Keith Kellogg during his visit?
Of course, such contacts took place. It was an extremely intense visit with a tight schedule. Keith Kellogg used his time as effectively as possible.
Several events were held with the participation of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR). Not all of them should be discussed now, but we did hold a joint briefing, for example. Present were myself, Gen. [Vadym] Skibitsky, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the chief of the general staff, and the minister of defense. We discussed the current situation on the battlefield, preparations for future actions, and Russia’s military plans up to 2036.
There was also a very important moment when Mr. Kellogg was able to personally inspect samples of Russia’s latest weaponry and verify that a large portion of their electronic components were produced by Western companies. In other words, he saw with his own eyes that it is important not only to impose sanctions but also to strictly monitor their enforcement. Because Russia continues to arm itself largely thanks to “gray schemes” that allow it to purchase sanctioned electronics. I hope Keith Kellogg will be able to convince other members of the American administration of this. After all, this also aligns with US national interests.
How optimistic are you about the future development of Ukraine-US relations?
I have never lost optimism on this matter. America is our friend. Yes, our relationship is not always easy. But in the end, we always find common ground. The fact that Keith Kellogg is currently the main representative of US interests regarding the end of the war indicates the correctness of this approach. We are strategic partners. And our cooperation strengthens both countries.
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