Budanov: Active phase of war could end this year; Zelensky: Outcome will be decided in the air

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, stated in an interview that it is possible to finish the active phase of combat this year. He recalled that talks in the spring proceeded at a very good pace, but now everyone has entered an escalation phase. According to Budanov, to get out of escalation, maximum escalation is usually required, followed by de-escalation and dialogue. This possibility is also linked to the US elections in November, but that is not the main factor.

He stressed that ending the war must be addressed comprehensively, both on the battlefield and in offices. However, only coordinated action by Ukraine, the US, and Europe can force Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to end the war. Budanov also indicated that territorial compromises are fundamentally impossible.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Financial Times that the main phase of the war has shifted to the airspace. According to him, Ukraine is managing to hold the front and contain Russia at sea, so the battle in the skies will decide the conflict's outcome. He noted that in this confrontation the size of territory matters less. Zelensky admitted that Ukraine has a critical weakness in air defense, but even so, Ukraine can win.

Zelensky believes that the psychological effect of large-scale drone attacks on Moscow and St. Petersburg, along with economic problems, will ultimately weaken Putin's resolve to continue the war. He predicts that when thousands of drones fly on Moscow, Putin will understand the situation, and his advisors will convince him to move somewhere beyond the Urals. "The further Putin is from Moscow, the closer the end of the war will be," Zelensky said.