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Russia is losing the initiative: Zelenskyy has spoken of a ‘window of opportunity’ to end the war

Russia is losing the initiative: Zelenskyy has spoken of a ‘window of opportunity’ to end the war

01 June 2026, 12:46

Russia is losing the initiative: Zelenskyy has spoken of a ‘window of opportunity’ to end the war — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russia began to lose the initiative on the battlefield as early as December 2025, and that the coming months could present a crucial window of opportunity for negotiations to end the war.

In an interview with CBS News, the head of state said that he had discussed this issue with his American partners back at the start of the year. According to him, Russia is gradually losing its capacity for a large-scale offensive, is suffering significant losses, and is attempting to compensate for its setbacks on the front line with massive missile strikes on Ukraine.

“We have this period of time before winter. We need to find a way, a diplomatic path, to sit down and talk,” Zelenskyy emphasised.

At the same time, the president stressed that the prospect of negotiations depends directly on continued sanctions pressure on the Kremlin. In his view, the West should not ease restrictions, but rather tighten them.

“It depends on the pressure on Putin, the pressure within his society – and I think that is growing – and the pressure of sanctions: not lifting them, but imposing more. That is good; that is the diplomatic path. I hope the United States will do this, and European sanctions too, but they have already introduced more than 20 packages of sanctions,” said Zelenskyy.

Separately, Zelenskyy highlighted the role of European partners in the future negotiation process. According to him, the UK, France and Germany are showing the greatest interest in finding a peaceful settlement, whilst Turkey is ready to play a mediating role.

“We also have good partners from Northern Europe, and as you know, Turkey has always wanted to be a mediator, and we have even taken several successful steps, such as securing the return of our prisoners of war. This is also very important. But who will be there in the end? Ukraine and Europe must decide who that will be, and it is also important that Russia is ready for dialogue and for Europe’s presence,” he said.

For financial markets and international investors, statements about a possible transition from the active phase of the war to a negotiation process are seen as a risk-reducing factor.

It should be recalled that during a meeting with the Servant of the People faction, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated the possibility of ending the ‘hot phase’ of the Russian-Ukrainian war by November 2026.

Earlier, the commander of the Third Army Corps, Andriy Biletsky, stated that Ukraine has approximately six months to seize the initiative on the front line and strengthen its positions ahead of possible peace talks.

Politics

Zelenskyy has called on NATO to step up its support for air defence and speed up the delivery of Patriot systems

During a meeting of the Ukraine–NATO Council in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences and increase supplies of Patriot interceptor missiles. He also thanked partners for their support of Ukraine and for attending the Alliance meeting in the Ukrainian capital.