Zelenskyy to Guardian: Russia is losing initiative in Ukraine day by day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy assesses that Russia is gradually losing the initiative in the war, marking the most hopeful period for Ukraine in two and a half years. He stated that while Russia is not losing the war outright, its day-by-day initiative is diminishing.

Zelenskyy pointed to recent Ukrainian long-range drone attacks that struck oil terminals in St. Petersburg and paralyzed occupied Crimea, causing fires and fuel shortages. He also noted that Russian advances on the eastern front have largely stalled. The Ukrainian president claimed Russia is losing over 30,000 soldiers monthly, with a significant portion killed or severely wounded, indicating Russia is not winning the conflict. He acknowledged that Ukraine also sustains losses, but on a smaller scale.

Despite the operational slowdown, destruction continues. Zelenskyy stated Russia has intensified air attacks on Ukrainian cities, aiming to terrorize the civilian population. He cited a recent attack involving 73 missiles and 656 drones that resulted in 18 deaths in Kyiv and Dnipro, including a child. Earlier, Zelenskyy had sent an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin proposing a de-escalation meeting, which Putin rejected, reiterating Russia's territorial claims.

Zelenskyy views Putin's unyielding stance as part of a broader disinformation strategy, using lies to unite Russian society. He also highlighted Russia's political defeats in Europe, including the electoral loss of Putin ally Viktor Orbán in Hungary and failed attempts to boost pro-Kremlin candidates in Moldova and Armenia. "They are isolated in Europe and from the United States too. So they are alone," Zelenskyy commented. Regarding US relations, he praised US diplomatic efforts, despite tensions following a meeting between former President Donald Trump and Putin.