The White House perceives Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as a more pragmatic and prudent figure in peace negotiations than the head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, the Washington Post reported, citing a former senior official in the Donald Trump administration who dealt with Russia and Ukraine.
According to the former official, despite the public image of a tough and decisive security officer, Budanov played an inconspicuous but important role in contacts related to peace negotiations in early 2025. He noted that it was in the context of real discussions about ending the war that Budanov showed himself to be one of the most pragmatic and balanced representatives of the Ukrainian side.
The source of the publication emphasized that this position is in sharp contrast with the behavior of Andriy Yermak. According to him, the head of the Presidential Office has repeatedly criticized American partners, which caused irritation in Washington. The former official claims that instead of focusing on what is best for Ukraine, Yermak, according to the American side, acted taking into account his own political interests and the interests of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
It is separately noted that Kirill Budanov enjoys respect among representatives of various political groups in the Trump administration. According to the source, this is what makes him an acceptable figure for informal contacts and consultations on complex issues related to potential ways to end the war.
