Overview

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denies suggestions of a stalemate in the conflict with Russia, contradicting the recent assessment by the commander in chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
• Zelensky is urging continued support from the US while highlighting the difficulties of the situation and arguing that Ukraine still holds the initiative in the war.
• Despite lack of significant gains on the ground, including the ability to reach and fight in Crimea, Zelensky suggests the need for innovative approaches, not necessarily a new warfare technology like gunpowder, to break the deadlock.
• As Zelensky awaits more aid from Washington, the US Congress is yet to approve more support for Ukraine, with a potential backlash from Republicans who might reconsider supporting Kyiv upon hearing of a stalemate.
• Zelensky criticizes Donald Trump's claim of being able to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, invites him to Ukraine to witness the scale of the invasion, emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved solely due to Vladimir Putin's role.
• Zelensky is not willing to engage in peace negotiations with Russia until its forces leave Ukrainian territory, asserting that terrorists cannot be trusted as they always come back.