Kyiv: In a significant shift that could potentially alter the trajectory of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his willingness to accept a ceasefire by freezing the current front lines. This indicates a stark readiness to concede the territory currently occupied by Russia if it guarantees an end to the prolonged conflict and secures the remainder of the nation.
During an interview with Fox News, when asked if he would accept a peace agreement that freezes the current situation—leaving Ukraine with 75 per cent or slightly more of its territory—President Zelenskyy responded affirmatively. “Right now, we need to freeze the situation, and I think this is the real path to end this war. We call it a ‘ceasefire’,” Zelenskyy stated.
This diplomatic opening comes on the heels of a constructive meeting between Zelenskyy and the US envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff, in Oslo, Norway. Following their discussions on Tuesday, Zelenskyy expressed optimism regarding positive outcomes from the envoy’s involvement and voiced his support for direct dialogue between the leadership in Kyiv, Washington, and Moscow.
However, even as Ukraine extends a hand for diplomacy, the military reality on the ground remains grim. Reports indicate that Russia is aggressively preparing for an extended offensive. Moscow has reportedly amassed an arsenal of 700 ballistic missiles and over 6,000 attack drones. Furthermore, Russia is currently producing around 10,000 drones monthly, significantly boosting its stockpile in an apparent strategy to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defence systems.
The consequences of this military buildup are already visible. Over the past 48 hours, the Dnipropetrovsk region in Ukraine has faced relentless aerial bombardment, leading to severe fires and casualties. Russian forces recently targeted a shopping centre in Dubno with drones and missiles, reducing it to ashes, though the Russian Defence Ministry claimed the target was a Ukrainian logistics hub.
Simultaneously, energy infrastructure remains a primary target. Recent Russian strikes have destroyed roughly 15 energy facilities in the occupied Donetsk region, severely disrupting power supply across various Ukrainian territories. In retaliation, Ukrainian forces successfully launched drone strikes on the Nikolskoye oil pumping station in Tambov, Russia, dealing a blow to Moscow’s vital oil pipeline system.