Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the upcoming winter presents a crucial opportunity for negotiations with Russia aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. In an interview with CBS News, recorded on May 29 and released on May 31, Zelensky discussed the potential for diplomatic discussions in light of recent military developments.
Zelensky’s comments follow remarks from Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky, commander of Ukraine’s Third Army Corps, who stated that Ukraine has a timeframe of six to nine months to gain the upper hand on the battlefield and solidify its position for peace talks. Zelensky affirmed this perspective, noting that since December 2025, Russia has been losing its battlefield initiative.
“In January, I informed my partners that we have a window for negotiations, as the Russians are losing more troops each month, which impacts their battlefield momentum,” Zelensky said.
He pointed out that Russia has recently intensified its missile attacks, attributing this escalation to their struggles on the ground. “In the past month, they have not been able to occupy more territory than they have lost during the same period,” he added.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of leveraging this moment before winter to pursue diplomatic avenues, stating, “We need to find a way, a diplomatic way, to sit down and talk. However, this depends on the pressure on Putin, particularly within his society, which I believe is increasing due to sanctions. We should not lift them but rather impose new ones; this is a beneficial diplomatic route.”
When discussing potential European representatives for peace negotiations, Zelensky mentioned a “three-country format” involving the United Kingdom, France, and Germany as possible mediators. He also acknowledged the support of Northern European partners and Turkey, which has expressed interest in acting as a mediator, particularly following successful efforts to secure the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
“Ultimately, it is up to Ukraine and Europe to decide who will represent them, but it is also essential that Russia is prepared for negotiations and dialogue with Europe,” he concluded.
President Zelensky sees a critical opportunity for peace talks with Russia before winter, citing military developments and the need for increased diplomatic pressure. He suggests involving key European nations in the negotiations while emphasizing the importance of continued sanctions against Russia.
Source: CBS News