After Fighting Russia Fiercely, He Wants to Forge Ukraine’s Path to Peace

What the report says

Kyrylo Budanov, described by The New York Times as a decorated Ukrainian soldier and former military intelligence chief, is now publicly arguing for a negotiated settlement in the war with Russia. The piece frames him as a notable voice because he previously played a prominent role in Ukraine’s defense and has been associated with a hard line against Moscow.

According to the Times’ reporting, talks between Ukraine and Russia are expected to resume this month. The article suggests Budanov’s position reflects a shifting debate inside Ukraine over how to balance continued resistance with the possibility of diplomacy, even as the war remains unresolved.

The development matters because Budanov is not a peripheral figure: his military background and intelligence leadership give his comments extra weight in any discussion of future negotiations. In broader context, any resumption of talks would come against the backdrop of a long and destructive conflict that has forced Ukraine to weigh battlefield realities against political and security concerns.

The Times article does not, in the available snippet, provide details about the proposed terms, the location of the talks, or whether either side has formally committed to concessions. It does, however, indicate that Budanov is now pushing for peace efforts after previously being known for a more combative stance toward Russia.