Zelensky Denies Stalemate in Ukraine-Russia Conflict, Urges Continued US Aid Amid Declining Public Support

Ukrainian President pushes back on general's bittrer assessment despite lack of significant gains on the ground, while Congress deliberates on extending aid.

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.