Kyrylo Budanov said difficult negotiations are under way to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine. He described the talks as tough rather than presenting them as a straightforward path to settlement. Budanov also firmly rejected reports that Russian forces had captured Dobropillia. The Ukrainian commander called the claim false, directly contradicting the reports circulating about the town. Dobropillia has been the focus of fighting in the Donetsk region. The account does not identify who is taking part in the talks or where they are being held. His comments covered two separate pressures: the search for a durable settlement and a contested claim about control on the battlefield.