Zelenskyy Says Russia Lost Initiative in December 2025 as He Pushes Talks Before Winter
Updated
Updated · UNITED24 Media · May 31
Zelenskyy Says Russia Lost Initiative in December 2025 as He Pushes Talks Before Winter
3 articles · Updated · UNITED24 Media · May 31
December 2025 marked the point when Russia began losing the battlefield initiative, Zelenskyy said, arguing Ukraine now has a window to pursue negotiations before next winter.
Monthly Russian losses are rising and Moscow can no longer capture more territory in a month than Ukrainian forces retake, he said, making diplomacy possible only if pressure on the Kremlin keeps building.
5% of global oil supply comes from Russia, Zelenskyy said, rejecting claims that easing sanctions would materially lower energy prices and warning relief would instead bolster Russia’s defense industry.
E3 countries — Britain, France and Germany — could help represent Europe in any talks, he said, alongside possible roles for Nordic states and Türkiye if Ukraine and Europe agree and Russia is genuinely ready.
If sanctions are being evaded, what new leverage can realistically bring Russia to the negotiating table before winter?
As Europe becomes Ukraine's main backer, can it broker peace without the full diplomatic weight of the US?
With Russian oil revenue hitting a two-year high, is the West's economic pressure campaign on Moscow actually failing?
Turning the Tide: Ukraine’s Drone Surge, Russian Setbacks, and the Critical Pre-Winter Peace Window
Overview
As of late May 2026, Ukraine’s conflict has entered a critical phase marked by a shift in battlefield momentum. This change is largely driven by Kyiv’s intensified use of drone technology, which has complicated Russian advances and enabled more successful long-range strikes on Russian oil and military facilities. Ukrainian forces have stepped up medium-range drone attacks targeting Russian air defenses and logistics, while Elon Musk’s denial of Starlink internet to Russian forces has further hindered Moscow’s operations. These combined efforts have helped turn the tide in Kyiv’s favor, opening a potential window for negotiations before winter.