Budanov: Ukraine does not disclose details of contacts with RF to avoid weakening negotiating positions

Budanov: Ukraine does not disclose details of contacts with RF to avoid weakening negotiating positions

Ukraine deliberately does not disclose details of informal contacts with the Russian side, as this could weaken Kyiv’s negotiating positions.

About this in an interview with Bloomberg, the head of the President’s Office Kyrylo Budanov told.

He emphasized that some Russian representatives participating in closed communication channels act pragmatically and well understand the real balance of forces.

According to Budanov, Ukraine maintains limited and informal contacts with Russian representatives who have a practical understanding of the situation on the front and the resource capabilities of the sides.

He emphasized that these communication channels are important for assessing Russia’s positions and potential scenarios for the development of events.

Budanov also explained why the details of the negotiations remain classified: disclosing information or pressuring the Russian participants in the contacts may have negative consequences for Ukraine.

"In the worst case, they will be eliminated and executed. And this will only weaken our positions. Because those who come next – even if they want to achieve something – will look at what happened to their predecessors and will never agree to anything," – Budanov noted.