Top Ukrainian Official Sees Progress Towards Potential Deal With Russia

Ukraine's top negotiator with Russia said he sees progress towards a potential deal with Russia, which could take place soon.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Kyrylo Budanov said he believes Moscow also wants to end the war and expressed optimism about conversations moving in the right direction.

"Everybody understands the war needs to end. That's why they're negotiating," the former spy told the outlet.

Elsewhere in the interview he conceded both sides have held "maximalist" positions in negotiations brokered by the U.S., but considers all will move to reach a compromise.

He refused to detail what a compromise would look like when it comes to territory, considering the regions Russia has seized since 2022.

"Everyone now clearly understands the limits of what is acceptable. That is huge progress," Budanov added.

However, Bloomberg also quoted two Russian officials who don't share the Ukrainian's optimism, noting that there has been little progress in security guarantees for Kyiv.

Another report claimed that Ukraine is at risk of running out of money to finance the war in just two months.

Citing recent setbacks, like Hungary's veto of a 90 billion euro loan and a failed NATO initiative, Bloomberg noted that Ukraine only has funds to continue fighting until June.

Should that be the case, central bank governor Andriy Pyshnyi said the institution could go back to issuing direct loans to the finance ministry to pay for troops' salaries and essential services.