Here’s why EU leaders really want to send troops to Ukraine
RTJan 28
Report: Ukrainian Intel Chief Says Country Faces Existential Crisis Unless Talks Start by Summer
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Above: Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Military Intelligence, pictured on Feb. 25, 2024, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Image copyright: Sergei Supinsky/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
A report in the Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda on Monday alleged that the head of the country's Defense Intelligence agency, Kyrylo Budanov, told a closed-door meeting of Ukrainian parliamentarians that the country faced an existential crisis unless peace negotiations started by summer.
The publication cited a source who was present at the meeting. "First the General Staff representatives spoke at length, in a rather complex manner, but it was very insightful," they said. "Then there were other reports. But what stood out the most was Budanov's response."
"Someone asked him how much time we have left," the source continued. "Kyrylo, with his calm smile, replied: 'If there are no serious negotiations by the summer, dangerous processes could unfold, threatening Ukraine's very existence...'"
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The quotes attributed to Budanov in the press during a classified, closed-door meeting do not reflect what was really said. Journalists need to be careful not to publish unverified information and be mindful of politicians who may distort statements to further their own political agenda.
Cynical narrative
There's an old adage in journalism: Do not believe anything until it's officially denied.
