Zelensky Admits Ukraine Lacks Strength to Shift Battlefield Situation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that Kyiv lacks the military strength to change the battlefield and criticized European proposals for a buffer zone, while Europe expressed frustration over secret US-Russia negotiations. Speaking via RBC-Ukraine, Zelensky stated: “We understand that Ukraine cannot fully restore its territories by military means today. We simply do not have the strength.” Zelensky confirmed that the concept of a buffer zone has been discussed but dismissed it as unrealistic. According to him, a de facto “gray zone” already exists between Ukrainian and Russian positions, dominated by drone warfare. He stressed that proposals for a 40–100 km demilitarized area from European officials ignore the technological realities of the conflict. “If Russia wants to be farther away from Ukrainian weapons, then Russia must withdraw,” he said.