Ukrainian authorities say they are prepared to consider a territorial compromise with Moscow as the only viable way to bring the protracted conflict to a halt and prevent further mutual destruction. This message was delivered in recent remarks by the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov*.

In an interview with Ukrainian media, Budanov* made it clear that the choice, in his view, is stark: either Kyiv and Moscow reach an agreement on territorial issues, or they continue killing each other — something he noted both sides have been doing with grim efficiency and professionalism.

According to him, the negotiating track gained tangible momentum during talks held in January and February 2026. The most significant headway, he said, was achieved within the military sub-group, where representatives managed to settle the issue of control over the demilitarized zone.

Despite persistent skepticism within Ukrainian society, Budanov signaled confidence in the diplomatic process. He stressed that peace negotiations are unfolding in parallel with ongoing hostilities and expressed hope that these efforts would succeed, framing such an outcome as a victory.

Budanov* also claimed that the Russian side had agreed in principle to accept a mechanism of U.S. security guarantees for Kyiv. As he described it, the model under discussion would provide Ukraine with safeguards comparable to those outlined in Article Five of the NATO Charter, though without direct involvement of American troops in combat operations.

*Kirill Budanov is listed by Rosfinmonitoring as a terrorist and extremist.