Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that Russia is losing its military initiative on the battlefield, suggesting that there may be an opportunity for diplomatic negotiations before the onset of winter. In an interview with CBS News’ Face the Nation, Zelensky noted that since December 2025, Russia has struggled to maintain its territorial gains.
He stated, “In January 2026, I told our American partners that I believe there is a window for negotiations, as Russia loses more of its troops each month. Currently, they cannot occupy more territory in a month than we are able to reclaim. Therefore, I think we need to find a diplomatic path—sit down and talk—before the next winter. However, this depends on internal pressure on Putin from his society, as well as sanctions pressure from the U.S. and Europe on Russia.”
“In January 2026, I told our American partners that I believe there is a window for negotiations, as Russia loses more of its troops each month.”
Zelensky also addressed the question of who might represent Europe in potential negotiations to end the conflict. He mentioned the E3 format, which includes the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, as a possible group of negotiators. He acknowledged that while this may not be the best format, these countries could play a significant role. He also pointed to reliable partners from Northern Europe and noted Turkey’s interest in mediating, citing past successes in repatriating Ukrainian prisoners of war with Turkey’s assistance.
Earlier reports from Politico suggested that the European Union is considering several candidates for negotiation roles, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. On May 11, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed opposition to the idea of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder serving as a mediator, as proposed by Putin.
“Gerhard Schröder has been a high-ranking lobbyist for Russian state companies. It is clear why Putin wants him at the table, to essentially sit on both sides of the negotiations,” Kallas was quoted as saying by DW.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha also stated that Kyiv does not support Schröder’s candidacy, emphasizing that Europe has many capable leaders who could serve as mediators in the negotiation process.
On May 19, Merkel called for EU leaders to engage in direct negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, though she declined to act as a mediator herself. On May 24, President Stubb expressed his readiness to represent the European bloc in negotiations with Russia if necessary.
On May 26, the European Commission announced that it would select a candidate to represent the EU in peace talks only when the Russian government is prepared for such discussions. Kallas reiterated on May 28 that the EU cannot act as a “neutral mediator” in potential peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, given its open support for Ukraine and commitment to its own security interests.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted the diminishing military initiative of Russia, suggesting a possible diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict. He discussed potential European representatives for negotiations while addressing concerns regarding the involvement of certain political figures.