“The peace in Ukraine will not come tomorrow, but we are moving forward, and I feel restrained optimism. That was my answer in Davos to the opening question of the moderator of the panel discussion ‘The Path to Peace in Ukraine: by Force or by Consent?’. First of all, we must soberly assess reality: today we are going through the bloodiest war since 1945. I hope that we are nevertheless on the path to a fundamental solution”, - wrote the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, on his Telegram channel on January 21.
“We are moving forward, and although it would be untrue to promise that peace will come tomorrow, enormous efforts are being made to achieve it. If it is necessary to clearly outline the situation we are in now, I would use the term ‘restrained optimism’. Many say that Ukraine must have a place at the negotiating table. In fact, we are already in the process, and this process is not happening without us. In particular, we have carried out serious work with representatives of Donald Trump’s team”, - Budanov notes.
“We understand that it is impossible to talk to russia from a weak position. Therefore, further unity and assistance from partners are critically necessary for us: from weapons to political influence on public opinion. Disagreements between partners only play into the enemy’s hands”, - the head of the Office of the President adds.
“As for russia itself, its 12-year rhetoric about the ‘NATO threat’ remains the main justification for aggression. However, during this time the russians have driven themselves into another trap. The stronger the sanctions pressure became, the more russia moved into China’s hands. Now we see the de facto absorption of the russian federation by China. Yes, Beijing has not transferred a single unit of ready-made weapons to russia — that is a fact. However, they skillfully use russia’s weakness, absorbing it economically and strengthening their political influence. russians understand this, and it hurts them”, - Budanov also states.
“Our task is to accumulate all forces, mobilize, and bring the matter to completion. We need not just the end of the war, but peace, security guarantees, and a clear plan for the restoration of Ukraine. We move on”, - he emphasizes.