A deal to end the war against Russia by winter is a “realistic” outcome, Kyrylo Budanov said. The celebrated former Ukrainian spymaster, now Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, said on Monday: “This is the president’s instruction: to try to end this war as soon as possible … preferably before winter. In my opinion, this is absolutely correct, timely, and realistic.”
Zelenskyy in an interview aired on Sunday called for reviving stalled talks with Russia before the onset of winter to take account of Kyiv’s improved strategic position. A senior Ukrainian commander said last week that Ukraine had a six-month window in which to seize the battlefield initiative and strengthen its hand for peace talks. Budanov said he expected a US delegation to visit Moscow and Kyiv in the near future, without giving details.
Kyiv came under heavy Russian attack early on Tuesday with authorities urging residents to seek shelter. The Kyiv mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said a fire broke out in the Podil district on the grounds of a non-residential property, and a nine-storey apartment building was on fire after debris apparently struck the roof. “In the Obolon district, cars are burning after being struck by falling missile debris. There are also fires at two locations in open areas, including one near a kindergarten,” Klitschko posted.
