Ukraine’s presidential office chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said military developments and continued pressure on Russia will determine the prospects for future peace negotiations during the 2026 Yalta European Strategy forum in Kyiv. Budanov said Ukraine’s battlefield performance, long-range strikes and sanctions were intended to push Moscow toward “serious negotiations.” He argued that Russia was already feeling the effects of the pressure, citing difficulties in its oil and gas sectors, as well as reported declines affecting VTB and Gazprom. He added, however, that Russia retained the capacity to continue its military operations despite economic problems. According to Budanov, a new round of peace talks could take place in early October and may address reducing airstrikes, protecting civilian and critical infrastructure, and maintaining Black Sea shipping. He said the United States and European countries should participate in the negotiations. Budanov also met with security advisers from Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom to discuss a coordinated position and possible future decisions. He called for unity among Ukraine, the United States and Europe, and urged work on a new European security architecture that includes Ukraine and its armed forces. Post navigation Ukraine Seeks OECD Accession Dialogue Zelenskyy Calls for Tougher Russia Sanctions