Ukraine Intelligence Chief: "Trump More Serious and Experienced Than Expected... No Worries About Support Reduction"

"Trump is Experienced" Dismisses Concerns Over Aid Reduction
Zelensky, Defense Minister Dismissal Rumors Continue to Spread

The head of Ukraine's intelligence agency stated that he is not greatly worried about the potential re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been negative about supporting the Ukraine war. Although Trump's public remarks may seem lighthearted, he is actually experienced and cautious in his policies. Amid the widespread corruption scandals within the Ukrainian military, concerns are growing that Trump's return to power could lead to a cutoff of U.S. military aid.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 31st (local time), Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Ministry Military Intelligence Directorate, said in an exclusive interview with CNN that when asked if he was worried about having to deal with the more Russia-friendly Trump, he replied, "I am not greatly worried about that."

He explained, "Former President Trump speaks as if making light jokes but always returns to the core issues," adding, "He is an experienced and seasoned individual with a serious character." This is interpreted as a reluctance to antagonize Trump, the strong Republican presidential candidate, amid the Republican Party's obstruction of Ukraine military aid bills in Congress.

Budanov further emphasized, "It is complete nonsense to say that (Trump and) the Republican Party like Russia," and stated, "We are still expecting a positive decision anyway."

However, both inside and outside the U.S., there is low expectation that Trump, who has flaunted a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin since his previous term, will support additional aid to Ukraine. Recently, Trump sparked controversy by stating on social media that he would "trust President Putin more than some American intelligence officers," and he strongly opposes further U.S. support for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, negative public opinion regarding military aid to Ukraine is growing not only in the U.S. but also across the Western world, including the European Union (EU). As the conflict between Israel and Hamas has emerged as a new focal point, interest in the long-stalled Ukraine war has waned, and negative views are spreading due to corruption scandals within the Ukrainian military.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.