Overview
- Kyrylo Budanov said on Friday that technical talks are likely soon and that they will focus on preparations rather than immediate, substantive agreements.
- He warned it is unrealistic to expect the war to end now and said Russia does not currently want to stop fighting.
- Both sides have increased strikes on logistics, ports and energy facilities, and Ukrainian officials expect Russia to step up attacks on the power grid as winter approaches.
- U.S.-backed trilateral talks have yielded no tangible results so far and the last formal round between Ukraine, the United States and Russia took place in February.
- Market pricing has reduced the probability of a ceasefire by year-end and Kyiv is prioritizing civilian protection, energy resilience and supply lines to prepare for prolonged winter combat.