Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the situation on the frontline is the most favorable it has been in the past ten months. His remarks, made during a press briefing on April 3, referenced intelligence assessments from both Ukrainian and British sources dated April 1.
Zelensky noted, “The frontline is holding. Therefore, the conclusion of British intelligence is that the situation is complex but the best it has been in the last ten months. This is a fair assessment. I am grateful to all our units that ensure this.” However, British intelligence has not publicly confirmed these findings.
He further indicated that a planned Russian offensive in March was thwarted by Ukrainian military actions. “Currently, the Russians will simply intensify their assault operations. For now, we do not see a global threat,” he added.
In addition, President Zelensky mentioned that he has invited American negotiators to visit Kyiv and has received positive signals in response. He proposed an alternative to a trilateral meeting at the technical level, suggesting that the American team could come to Ukraine before proceeding to Moscow. “If we cannot meet in three, let’s do it in turns. This is our proposal,” he quoted.
Zelensky also revealed that Ukraine has requested a ceasefire for Easter from the United States. He acknowledged uncertainty regarding whether the U.S. could convey this message to Russia, but emphasized that the proposal for a ceasefire remains on the table.
Furthermore, he stated that Ukraine has not received any indication that the supply of weapons through the PURL program, which allows for the purchase of American arms for the Ukrainian Armed Forces with funding from other NATO member states, would be halted.
On March 31, President Zelensky disclosed that Russia, during negotiations, has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the Donetsk region within two months. He stated, “They claim they will capture eastern Ukraine and the Donbas within two months. Therefore, there are two months to withdraw. If Ukraine does not comply, Russia will take the Donbas and then impose other conditions.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on April 1 that Zelensky must decide today to withdraw Ukrainian forces from the Donbas. He asserted that such a decision could “stop the hot phase of this war.”
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has analyzed the situation, concluding that significant Russian gains on the battlefield, let alone a complete victory, are not inevitable as of late March 2026. They noted that the Kremlin appears to be creating a “false sense of urgency” to compel Ukraine to concede parts of the Donetsk region that Russian forces have been unable to capture on the battlefield.
ISW analysts refuted claims made by Peskov on March 31, which suggested that Ukraine needs any form of ceasefire, arguing that the dynamics on the frontline are not in Ukraine’s favor, and that Russian forces are advancing along the entire front line. They pointed out that Russian troops have previously attempted and failed to capture the so-called Ukrainian fortress belt in the Donbas in 2014 and 2022, and have not demonstrated the capability to rapidly seize cities of similar size.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported an improved frontline situation, citing intelligence assessments. He also discussed ongoing negotiations with U.S. officials and Russian demands for troop withdrawals from the Donetsk region.