Budanov responded what to expect from Russia at the negotiating table.

The Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, spoke about expectations from Russia at the negotiating table.

According to him, Russia uses the 'carrot and stick' tactic - it pressures Ukraine with military pressure and offers favorable financial conditions to intermediary countries. He emphasized that such practices from Russia are constant.

'They will always do this: pressure us and offer various financially interesting things to other parties that are profitable to participate. This has always been the case, and nothing will change for them. The other question here is a ceasefire or peace. These are absolutely different things. It is quite realistic to reach a ceasefire quickly, I can personally express my opinion - basically, it is feasible. To reach peace quickly - no,'

Budanov emphasized that Russia needs a pause in the war to not lose the chance for world leadership. He noted that if Russia does not withdraw from the war by 2026, it will lose the chance for world leadership and will remain only a regional leader.

'The cost of war is too high, the financial cost of war. It does not allow the country to develop, it does not allow to engage in large-scale projects, etc. There is a lack of technologies, technological solutions that are not in the Russian Federation, primarily for the development of Arctic regions, gas extraction, etc.,

When asked what will happen in Russia after Putin's death, Budanov recalled the example of Stalin. He emphasized that it is impossible to compare these two situations, but noted that after Stalin's death, a struggle for power and de-Stalinization began.

'Do you think it will be any different? No... History always repeats itself,'

Earlier, Budanov assessed the state of Putin's army and his plans.