The GUR stated that a purported quote from Budanov shared by the media from a closed meeting is not true.

This is mentioned in an official statement from the GUR of the Ministry of Defense.

“The GUR of the Ministry of Defense draws attention to media and public sources that the alleged quote from the head of the GUR of Ukraine from a closed, classified meeting of the Verkhovna Rada does not correspond to reality,” the statement reads.

The intelligence officers urged media representatives “not to spread rumors, unverified and unofficial information, especially regarding defense issues in the war, which certain political figures, unfortunately, may distort for their own interests, using journalists for this purpose.”

The GUR emphasized that the dissemination of any messages about supposed discussions at official meetings classified as “secret” involving the military-political leadership of the state harms national security and is exploited by the enemy for its own interests.

“Ukraine continues its armed struggle for independence—the war with Russia goes on. The informational dimension of the war is also critically important. We remind you of the state of martial law across our entire territory,” the statement says.

What is being discussed?

“Ukrainian Truth” reported, citing an unnamed deputy, that during a closed meeting of parliamentarians and representatives of the Defense Forces, GUR head Kyrylo Budanov allegedly mentioned a threat to Ukraine's existence if “serious negotiations” do not take place before summer.

“At first, there was a lot of confusing but very interesting information from the General Staff representatives. Then there were various reports. But what stood out the most was Budanov's response. Someone asked him how much time we have left. And Kyrylo, with his cold smile, said: ‘If there are no serious negotiations before summer, then very dangerous processes for the existence of Ukraine may start.’”— cites UP from its source.

However, Deputy Oleksii Honcharenko stated that Budanov said, “if nothing changes, the front may crumble and there will be problems.” He added that the phrases about threats to Ukraine’s existence were not mentioned.

Another parliament member, Oleg Dunda, on the air of the “Kyiv” channel described Budanov's statements as “referring to a very specific institution.”