Zelensky Addresses Distracted Focus and Stalemate Denial in Ukraine-Russia Conflict
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the Israel-Gaza conflict has diverted attention from the Ukraine-Russia war, which Russia aims to achieve as one of its goals. Contrary to recent assessments of a stalemate, Zelensky insisted that the war was not at a standstill. The Ukrainian military’s southern counter-offensive has encountered limited success, raising concerns about war fatigue among Western allies and the supply of advanced weaponry.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed Ukrainian soldiers from the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade were killed in a Russian missile strike, prompting a full investigation. Reports suggested over 20 Ukrainian service members died during an award ceremony near the front lines. Ukraine’s military reported a successful strike on “sea and port infrastructure” in Russian-annexed Crimea, with Russia claiming to have shot down 13 out of 15 Ukrainian missiles.
Zelensky emphasized the need for US-made F-16 warplanes and advanced anti-aircraft defenses to counter Russian control of the skies. He rejected pressure for negotiations with Russia, asserting that no partner is pushing Ukraine to make concessions.
In response, Russia disputed claims of a stalemate, with President Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejecting the prospect of a Kyiv victory and emphasizing the need to achieve war goals. UK defense intelligence reported substantial Russian losses, including around 200 armored vehicles and several thousand personnel casualties in the Donbas town of Avdiivka.
While Russia attempted advances in eastern and north-eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian military claimed to have repelled all attacks. However, these claims remain unverified.
