Kirill Budanov, formerly the chief of Ukraine’s military intelligence service, now serves as a senior aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Speaking on Sunday, Budanov emphasized that the ongoing war with Russia has fundamentally altered how Ukrainians engage with their national narrative.
He asserted that the conflict ensures the public will no longer be dictated which historical figures to honor, which commemorations to observe, or which chapters of history to study.
The statement reflects a broader push to empower citizens to shape collective memory independently of external pressures.
Budanov’s comments come amid intensified efforts to reinforce national identity and resilience as the war continues.
