As noted in the statement, the "alleged quote" from Budanov circulated in the media, attributed to a closed meeting marked "confidential" of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, is inaccurate.
"We urge all media representatives not to spread rumors, unverified, and unofficially confirmed information, especially regarding defense matters in the war, which certain political figures may unfortunately distort for their own interests, using journalists for this purpose. We emphasize that the dissemination of any messages regarding what is supposedly discussed at official meetings marked 'confidential' involving the military-political leadership of the state harms national security and is exploited by the enemy for its own purposes," the statement reads.
The GUR MO added that Ukraine continues its armed struggle for independence, and the informational aspect of the war is also critically important.
On January 27, "Ukrainian Truth" published an article in which an unnamed source from the publication quoted Budanov. According to that interlocutor, the head of intelligence stated that Ukraine faces an existential threat if a dialogue to end the full-scale war does not begin in the next six months.