In a recent exclusive interview with AFP, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that Ukraine is not losing its protracted conflict with Russia. He revealed that the country has successfully reclaimed hundreds of square kilometers in a counteroffensive, countering narratives of defeat as the war approaches its four-year mark since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022.
Zelensky’s comments come at a critical juncture, with U.S. President Donald Trump pushing for a negotiation framework between Kyiv and Moscow amidst one of the harshest winters for Ukraine’s population and military forces. Despite the challenging circumstances, Zelensky emphasized, “You can’t say that we’re losing the war. Honestly, we’re definitely not losing it, definitely. The question is whether we will win.” He recognized the high cost of the conflict, underscoring the ongoing toll on both sides, which has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian and military casualties.
As Russian forces intensify their strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leaving millions without heat or electricity in freezing temperatures, pressure mounts from both Washington and Moscow for Ukraine to consider ceding territory in the eastern Donbas region. Zelensky stated, “Both the Americans and the Russians say that if you want the war to end tomorrow, get out of Donbas,” referencing the region that has been a focal point of the conflict.
In spite of international calls for Ukrainian concessions, Zelensky maintains that pulling out of Donbas would only embolden Russian aggression. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces are making gains along the southern front, although Twitter accounts of military bloggers suggest that these advances may have been influenced by functionality issues stemming from the shutdown of Starlink internet services provided by Elon Musk in response to a plea from Kyiv. While Zelensky confirmed that the Ukrainian military is navigating these complexities, he asserted that Russian setbacks are “much more serious.”
As discussions of potential peace negotiations continue, both the U.S. and Russia are urging Ukraine to hold presidential elections. Zelensky expressed his conviction that elections during wartime are detrimental, stating, “Let’s be honest — the Russians just want to replace me,” implying that Moscow’s objective is to diminish his leadership. The president highlighted the logistical and humanitarian challenges of conducting elections, particularly since millions of Ukrainians are displaced or living in occupied territories, making it impractical to proceed with a vote amid ongoing conflict.
Looking ahead, Zelensky articulated that for any future elections to occur, robust security guarantees from allied nations would be essential to safeguard against further Russian incursions. Furthermore, he called for European troops, prepared to be deployed in the event of a ceasefire, to position themselves near the front lines to bolster Ukrainian defenses. He stated, “We would like to see the contingent closer to the front line. Of course, no one wants to stand on the first line, and of course, Ukrainians would like our partners to stand with us on the front line.”
As the situation continues to evolve, the impacts of territorial control, military strategies, and international diplomatic pressures remain crucial to the unfolding narrative of the conflict.
