Confirmed by top officials: Here's when the war in Ukraine is expected to end

He confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said there was a possibility of negotiations with Russia and had issued instructions aimed at ending the war as soon as possible, according to UNIAN.

“I can confirm that this is indeed his effort to stop the hostilities as quickly as possible, preferably before winter,” Budanov said at the Architecture of Security 2026 forum.

Budanov described this goal as entirely appropriate, timely, and well-conceived, adding that there are sufficient opportunities to achieve it.

“If Russia ultimately refuses—and that is also possible, we should not forget that this could happen as well... Nevertheless, there are currently real indications that the basis for ending combat operations already exists,” Budanov emphasized.

According to him, Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory are intended to encourage the aggressor state to engage in dialogue on ending the war.

Budanov said he expects an American delegation to visit both Kyiv and Moscow in the near future.

He recalled that the Ukrainian president had previously spoken about an anticipated visit by a U.S. delegation.

“I can confirm all of this, and we are preparing for it,” Budanov said.

He also noted that the U.S. side had confirmed plans for its delegation to travel to Kyiv and Moscow in the near future.

“As for the negotiation process, I have never said that we are at a dead end. I continue to hold that view because certain processes are underway. They may not be entirely public, but they are taking place,” Budanov stressed.

Earlier, Zelensky said that Ukraine expects advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump—Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—to visit Kyiv.

He added that the visit could take place within the next two weeks and that this information had been conveyed by Ukraine’s negotiating team.