From “Kyiv in three days” to new narratives of the Russian Federation, “the bar is falling”: Budanov said that Russia is reducing its goals in the war against Ukraine.
The Russian authorities are forced to transform their narratives about the war against Ukraine because of the inability to achieve their original goals. In particular, the new narrative of Russians is “non-alignment of Ukraine and its nuclear-free status.”
This was stated by the Head of the President’s Office Kirill Budanov during the Kyiv Stratcom Forum 2026, Ukrinform reports, the PromPolitInform portal informs.
“Time passes, and under the influence of the unpleasant reality for them (for Russians – ed.), which they face, they have to find answers for their society. And every time this bar is lowered. Everyone sees it,” he said.
Budanov noted that the narrative “Kyiv in three days” later transformed into “Donbass at any cost.”
“About a week ago, if I’m not mistaken, another new narrative appeared: “Ukraine should be a nuclear-free state and not join any military alliances.” This is a new goal, that is, the bar is slightly reduced. This is normal, because time is running out and, obviously, since we are now communicating with you here, the goal has not been achieved,” he said.
The head of the OP noted that the leaders of Russia are aware that it is already unrealistic to stand on the positions of “Kyiv in three days” and explain this narrative to society.
“They are also beginning to prepare society, as the question “just give it to the Donbass,” it will not be so. This is also unrealistic. Therefore, they begin, they say, we will achieve that they [Ukraine] will be non-aligned, for example. This is also a victory. Therefore, this is a completely normal transformation,” he said.
Recall that recently the Financial Times wrote that the command of the Russian Federation promised the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to capture the Donbass by the fall. They report to him that the Ukrainian army is exhausted, the front is collapsing and there are fewer forces.
However, the interlocutors of the publication argue that Putin’s appetites are much greater. The Kremlin’s ultimate goal is to establish control over Ukraine along the Dnieper, including the capture of Kyiv and Odessa.
The Office of the President of Ukraine does not exclude that Putin, after the elections to the State Duma, which will be held this fall, may announce a general mobilization in the country.
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