Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has contested the prevailing notion that Russia is winning the nearly two-year-old war in Ukraine, emphasizing that Russian forces are facing substantial losses. In an interview with The Economist, Zelenskiy provided insights into the ongoing conflict, challenging the perception that Moscow is achieving significant gains.
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Russian Losses in Avdiivka:
Zelenskiy asserted that Russian forces are suffering heavy losses, specifically mentioning the thousands of killed Russian soldiers in the fighting around Avdiivka.
Despite not providing concrete evidence, Zelenskiy’s claims align with Western military analysts’ observations of Russia paying a considerable price in both personnel and equipment.
Russian Denial and Putin’s Statement:
Russian officials have consistently downplayed Western estimates of Russian casualties, with President Putin stating that Russia’s position in the conflict is improving.
Zelenskiy countered Putin’s narrative, highlighting the discrepancy between Russia’s claims and the reality on the ground, emphasizing that the notion of Moscow winning is a “feeling” rather than a factual assessment.
Ukrainian Counteroffensive and Black Sea Blockade:
Zelenskiy acknowledged that the Ukrainian counteroffensive might not have achieved the speed the world desired but emphasized the successes, particularly the breakthrough of the Russian Black Sea blockade.
The President underscored the importance of this achievement, enabling Ukraine to export grain through a new route along its southern coast.
Global Support and Mobilization:
Zelenskiy stressed the need for stronger global support, stating that more efforts are required to persuade the world that defending Ukraine is synonymous with defending global security.
Acknowledging a decline in mobilization compared to the initial months of the conflict, Zelenskiy called for renewed efforts, highlighting that mobilization goes beyond soldiers at the front—it involves the collective effort of the entire society.
Peace Talks and Russia’s Intentions:
Zelenskiy rejected any notion that Russia is genuinely interested in peace talks, pointing to Russia’s repeated aerial strikes as evidence of its unwillingness to engage in meaningful negotiations.
He suggested that Russia would only agree to a pause in fighting to replenish its army rather than for sincere peace negotiations.
President Zelenskiy’s interview provides a comprehensive perspective on the current state of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, challenging the narrative of Moscow’s victory and emphasizing the significant losses incurred by Russian forces. The ongoing struggle for global support and the need for renewed mobilization in Ukraine underscore the complexities of the situation as the conflict enters its next phase.
