Ukraine's Budanov Signals Readiness for Russia Talks in Lithuania

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, arrived in Lithuania on May 11, 2026, for a series of security meetings with Lithuanian defense and government officials. A close associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Budanov visited the Lithuanian presidential administration and other government institutions in one of Ukraine's strongest allied nations within NATO and the European Union.

During the visit, Budanov addressed the diplomatic standoff with Russia, stating that Ukraine is prepared for serious discussions if Moscow demonstrates genuine willingness to engage. He dismissed the idea of a spontaneous phone call between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that official interstate communication channels are currently severed. His remarks directly countered Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who had suggested Zelenskyy should call Putin to arrange a meeting.

Budanov characterized the current battlefield situation as stable and reaffirmed Ukraine's official position supporting an end to hostilities and the achievement of peace. He framed the pursuit of peace as common sense rather than weakness. The visit to Lithuania underscored the ongoing effort by Kyiv to coordinate with key Western allies while maintaining a firm stance on the conditions for any potential negotiations with Russia.