The territorial issue remains the main stumbling block in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
This was stated by the head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, in an interview with Suspilne.
Budanov also commented on his recent statement that there would be a window of opportunity to reach a peace agreement in February 2026.
“By calculation, this is the most favorable period for both Russia and Ukraine to achieve something. This is linked to military activity, the heating season, and so on. There are many factors involved. I am simply giving you the conclusion,” the head of military intelligence said.
At the same time, he emphasized that Russia does not intend to stop the war and has clearly defined objectives in its military planning for the coming years. Despite the fact that the pace of the enemy’s advance does not meet its expectations, the threat remains critically high for eastern and southern Ukraine.
Budanov stressed that there should be no illusions about any lull on the front line. The occupiers continue to apply pressure, implementing their strategy of attrition and territorial seizure.
“I will say it again: the Russian Federation is not stopping its offensive operation. They have not achieved the pace they dreamed of, but they are moving forward,” Budanov stated.
According to the head of the intelligence service, the near-term outlook for the Russian army is defined very clearly.
So, what are the enemy’s objectives?
“They are clearly outlined in their military planning. These are full control over Donetsk region, maximum advance into Dnipropetrovsk region, and the continuation of operations in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions — which, in principle, they have never concealed,” Budanov said.
In addition, the occupiers seek to secure their borders at the expense of Ukrainian territory by creating so-called “sanitary zones.”
“This is, so to speak, their task — along with expanding the size of sanitary zones, buffer zones, however you want to call them, along the border,” the intelligence chief added.
Budanov also presented a forecast regarding the enemy’s plans for 2026. The Kremlin’s ambitions extend to full control over the east and south of Ukraine.
“Essentially, the objective for 2026 is Donbas and Zaporizhzhia,” he said, adding, “this is their dream.”