Budanov in Davos makes statement on «radical resolution» of war
Kyrylo Budanov expressed cautious optimism about the end of the war, but stressed that peace would not come quickly.
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Kyrylo Budanov expressed cautious optimism about the end of the war © Getty Images / © Getty Images
Ukraine is on a path toward a radical resolution of the war, but it would be incorrect to speak of a rapid peace.
Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov said this on January 20, while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
«The most interesting question is where we are right now. I hope that we are on the path to a radical resolution of our war, which, I would like to stress again, is the bloodiest and most brutal war on European soil since the end of World War Two, and one of the bloodiest in the entire post-war history, ” Budanov said.
He stressed that despite progress, there were no guarantees the war would end quickly.
«You cannot say that peace will definitely come tomorrow. Anyone who says that is certainly not telling the truth. But a lot of effort is being made, ” Budanov said.
He said the key work was being done by Ukraine and its partners, particularly the United States.
«Above all, efforts are being made on our side and by the United States. Whether people like it or not, this momentum exists. It does exist, and we are moving forward, ” he said.
At the same time, he noted that the outcome of the peace process would largely depend on the position of the Russian Federation.
«Whether we can achieve success in the near term largely depends on the Russian Federation. You understand who we are dealing with. I do not think further words are needed on this issue, ” Budanov said.
He described the current state of negotiating efforts as cautiously positive.
«We are moving forward. Cautious optimism is the term I would use to describe this situation, ” he said.
Budanov on the peace process and Ukraine’s role
Speaking separately in Davos, Budanov rejected claims that Ukraine was absent from the peace process, calling such assertions incorrect.
According to him, Ukraine’s presence at the talks is confirmed by the work of the Ukrainian delegation with representatives of the United States.
«Ukraine’s presence in the negotiations is evidenced by the work of our delegation with the U.S. side on a peace agreement, including security guarantees and a recovery plan, ” he said.
Budanov said Ukraine needed a just peace that could only be achieved in cooperation with its partners.
«We need a just peace, and it can be achieved together with our partners. That is why I call for efforts to be consolidated, for us to organize and bring this process to its conclusion, ” he said, urging allies to put aside any misunderstandings.