---
title: "Budanov: Strikes on Russia are changing elites' approach to negotiations — details of the meeting with Americans"
description: "🇺🇦🇺🇸 Budanov discussed with Americans how strikes on Russia affect the readiness of elites for negotiations. They discussed Patriots, drones, and the strategy for ending the war. 🚀🤝 #Ukraine #USA #Budanov"
date: 2026-07-22T18:44:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/budanov-strikes-on-russia-are-changing-elites-approach-to-negotiations
tags: [budanov, ukraine, usa, nato, patriot]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Budanov: Strikes on Russia are changing elites' approach to negotiations — details of the meeting with Americans

![Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, in uniform with ‘БУДАНОВ’ patch — key figure in US talks on how strikes on Russia are shifting elite negotiation dynamics](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/22/budanov-udary-po-rossii-vliyaet-na-peregovory/budanov-udary-po-rossii-vliyaet-na-peregovory-1.webp)

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, held a strategic meeting with representatives of the USA and NATO. The core of the discussion was an analysis of how strikes on Russian territory affect the readiness of Russian elites and society to negotiate an end to the war.

### Key figures and agenda

The meeting took place with the participation of high-ranking diplomats and military officials. The negotiations were attended by the US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker; the Commander of the NATO Security and Assistance Mission for Ukraine, Lieutenant General Curtis Bazard; and the Chargé d'Affaires of the US in Ukraine, Sandra Oudkirk.

The parties discussed a wide range of issues concerning the further development of Ukrainian-American relations and the implementation of agreements reached between Kyiv and Washington. Special attention was paid to the results of the negotiations between the Presidents of Ukraine and the USA, which took place in Ankara.

### Technology and strategy: from Patriot to drones

One of the central topics was the licensing of the production of interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense systems. This decision is designed to strengthen the protection of the Ukrainian sky and ensure the long-term sustainability of the air defense system.

In addition, other important initiatives were discussed:

- Implementation of the Drone Deal agreement, aimed at large-scale production of unmanned aerial vehicles.

- The PURL program, designed to strengthen Ukrainian air defense systems.

### The impact of strikes on the negotiation process

Budanov emphasized that the current situation on the battlefield was separately considered and analyzed. The key question concerned the impact of so-called "deep and mid-range strikes" (strikes on depth and medium depth) on the further course of hostilities.

"We assessed how these strikes affect the readiness of Russian elites and Russian society to resume the negotiation process and end the war," Budanov noted. According to him, the analysis shows that pressure on the territory of the Russian Federation changes the balance of forces and can become a factor contributing to a transition to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.

### Previous contacts and context

On the eve of this meeting, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker also met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During their negotiations, the same topics were raised: implementation of the Drone Deal, the PURL program, and licensing of the production of Patriot missiles. This testifies to the systematic approach of Kyiv and its partners to strengthening defense capabilities and preparing for a possible end to the war.

Thus, Budanov's meeting with American colleagues became an important stage in coordinating efforts between Ukraine, the USA, and NATO. It not only confirmed support for Kyiv but also provided an assessment of the effectiveness of the current strategy, including the use of strikes on Russian territory as a tool of pressure on the adversary.