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Zelensky Says Ukraine Gains Momentum Against Russia, Highlights Russian Losses and Isolation
In a 25‑minute sit‑down with The Guardian in London, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the tide of the war is turning in Kyiv’s favour. He insisted the front lines have not moved, yet Russia is steadily losing its initiative and bearing a heavy human cost.
Zelensky warned that Russia is surrendering more than 30,000 soldiers each month, with 23,000 to 24,000 killed and the rest heavily wounded. He added that the cumulative toll demonstrates the invasion is not succeeding. "We can’t say Russia is losing this war," he said, "but we can say they are losing the initiative each day, day by day."
The president also highlighted Russia’s growing diplomatic isolation. He pointed to Azerbaijan as a case in point, noting that Moscow’s influence is waning in several states. "They are isolated inside Europe and from the United States as well," Zelensky said, echoing reports that the war in Ukraine is draining Russia’s resources and eroding its sway in the South Caucasus.
Zelensky lamented the shift in U.S. focus away from Ukraine. He said the Trump administration has moved its attention to other theatres such as Iran, the Gulf and Israel, and that while Gulf states and Israel receive missile and weapons support, Ukraine has not seen the same volume of aid. "It’s a pity," he remarked.
In London on Sunday, Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders discussed the delivery of air‑defence systems and Ukraine’s ability to conduct long‑range strikes inside Russia. Zelensky underscored Ukraine’s experience with drone technology, describing it as "priceless information" that could shape future operations.
The president also confirmed a private meeting in Kyiv last month with Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who serves as a liaison for President Vladimir Putin. According to Zelensky, Abramovich conveyed that some people close to Putin want to continue the war while others—especially business figures—recognise that Russia’s economy is in a precarious state. "The economy is in a terrible situation in Russia. It’s very close to collapse," Zelensky said.
Zelensky framed the war’s ultimate goal as a psychological one: "Victory in this war is when Russian society recognises that the war is awful, that the war is a tragedy not for someone, somewhere, but for themselves." He said momentum is building as Russian society faces the consequences of the conflict.
The interview was part of a broader media tour that included a radio video‑cast by EA‑Times, where Zelensky reiterated that the tide is turning in Kyiv’s favour. He described the situation as the most promising since 2023.
The United Nations and several human‑rights organisations continue to document violations in occupied Ukraine, while the International Criminal Court has opened investigations into war crimes. Russia’s military losses have been reported by Ukrainian sources and independent analysts, with estimates of more than 30,000 casualties per month.
The war remains a major focus of international diplomacy. European and U.S. officials have imposed sanctions on Russia and its allies, and the United States has supplied Ukraine with defensive weapons. The conflict has also strained Russia’s relations with countries such as Azerbaijan, which has sought to reduce its dependence on Moscow.
As the war enters its fifth year, Zelensky’s statements underscore a shift in both military and diplomatic dynamics. Russia’s losses, isolation, and internal dissent are cited as factors that could influence the conflict’s trajectory. The international community continues to monitor developments, with particular attention to Ukraine’s diplomatic engagements and Russia’s domestic situation.
The situation remains fluid. Further diplomatic meetings and military assessments are expected in the coming weeks, and the war’s outcome will depend on a complex mix of battlefield performance, economic pressures, and international support.
Zelensky warned that Russia is surrendering more than 30,000 soldiers each month, with 23,000 to 24,000 killed and the rest heavily wounded. He added that the cumulative toll demonstrates the invasion is not succeeding. "We can’t say Russia is losing this war," he said, "but we can say they are losing the initiative each day, day by day."
The president also highlighted Russia’s growing diplomatic isolation. He pointed to Azerbaijan as a case in point, noting that Moscow’s influence is waning in several states. "They are isolated inside Europe and from the United States as well," Zelensky said, echoing reports that the war in Ukraine is draining Russia’s resources and eroding its sway in the South Caucasus.
Zelensky lamented the shift in U.S. focus away from Ukraine. He said the Trump administration has moved its attention to other theatres such as Iran, the Gulf and Israel, and that while Gulf states and Israel receive missile and weapons support, Ukraine has not seen the same volume of aid. "It’s a pity," he remarked.
In London on Sunday, Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders discussed the delivery of air‑defence systems and Ukraine’s ability to conduct long‑range strikes inside Russia. Zelensky underscored Ukraine’s experience with drone technology, describing it as "priceless information" that could shape future operations.
The president also confirmed a private meeting in Kyiv last month with Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who serves as a liaison for President Vladimir Putin. According to Zelensky, Abramovich conveyed that some people close to Putin want to continue the war while others—especially business figures—recognise that Russia’s economy is in a precarious state. "The economy is in a terrible situation in Russia. It’s very close to collapse," Zelensky said.
Zelensky framed the war’s ultimate goal as a psychological one: "Victory in this war is when Russian society recognises that the war is awful, that the war is a tragedy not for someone, somewhere, but for themselves." He said momentum is building as Russian society faces the consequences of the conflict.
The interview was part of a broader media tour that included a radio video‑cast by EA‑Times, where Zelensky reiterated that the tide is turning in Kyiv’s favour. He described the situation as the most promising since 2023.
The United Nations and several human‑rights organisations continue to document violations in occupied Ukraine, while the International Criminal Court has opened investigations into war crimes. Russia’s military losses have been reported by Ukrainian sources and independent analysts, with estimates of more than 30,000 casualties per month.
The war remains a major focus of international diplomacy. European and U.S. officials have imposed sanctions on Russia and its allies, and the United States has supplied Ukraine with defensive weapons. The conflict has also strained Russia’s relations with countries such as Azerbaijan, which has sought to reduce its dependence on Moscow.
As the war enters its fifth year, Zelensky’s statements underscore a shift in both military and diplomatic dynamics. Russia’s losses, isolation, and internal dissent are cited as factors that could influence the conflict’s trajectory. The international community continues to monitor developments, with particular attention to Ukraine’s diplomatic engagements and Russia’s domestic situation.
The situation remains fluid. Further diplomatic meetings and military assessments are expected in the coming weeks, and the war’s outcome will depend on a complex mix of battlefield performance, economic pressures, and international support.
