Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on May 22 that the country’s military positions are stronger than in previous years, highlighting significant territorial recoveries.
Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has regained control over 590 kilometers of territory. Zelensky emphasized that the current trend is unfavorable for Russian forces, noting an increase in the destruction of Russian personnel, which, combined with various sanctions, pressures Russia towards diplomatic negotiations.
During discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Zelensky provided detailed intelligence on Russian military and political plans. He underscored the importance of activating diplomatic channels and expressed anticipation for responses from the United States regarding potential meeting formats and schedules.
Zelensky expects updates on U.S. readiness by the end of the week. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the U.S., are currently not taking place and have not yielded productive results. However, he indicated Washington’s willingness to re-engage in the process if fruitful discussions can be pursued.
The escalation of tensions in the Middle East has led to the postponement of trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, which were initially scheduled for January and February.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported significant territorial gains and emphasized the need for renewed diplomatic efforts with Russia. As the situation evolves, U.S. involvement remains uncertain amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.