Ukraine faces very difficult period until September, Zelenskyy says
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Spring and summer of 2026 will be key and extremely difficult for Ukraine — both on the front and on the diplomatic stage, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a conversation with journalists.
According to Zelenskyy, if Russian President Vladimir Putin chooses the path of de-escalation, it will be possible to hold a trilateral meeting in the format Ukraine–USA–Russia.
The president predicts it could take place in April, May, or June.
At the same time, according to him, Russia will increase pressure on the front, so this period will be very difficult for Ukraine.
"I think these are key months for them. And I think it will be very difficult for us until September. In my opinion, Americans will not give anyone more time for this dialogue," Zelenskyy said.
He added that with the beginning of summer, the United States will focus even more on internal processes — elections.
"And I think they have a kind of domestic political deadline — approximately August. So this spring–summer period will be quite difficult politically and diplomatically. There may be pressure on Ukraine. And on the battlefield as well," the president explained.
At the same time, he stressed that Ukraine clearly understands its national interests. To counter aggression.
The president called on partners to take decisive steps, in particular at the NATO level.
"It is important that during this period there is sufficient pressure on Russia as well. For example, partners can hold an absolutely unprecedented, historic, breakthrough, and, in a certain sense, victorious NATO summit this year. But it depends on them, what they are really ready for and whether they treat seriously the threats that exist not against someone alone, but against everyone," Zelenskyy said.
Peace talks
Trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia have been postponed due to a shift in US priorities.
The schedule of diplomatic meetings has been affected by the situation on the international stage. In particular, Washington has temporarily shifted its attention to events in Iran.
While diplomacy is on pause, Russia has launched new offensives.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin will try to capture not only Donbas, but also advance to the south of Ukraine. The enemy seeks to gain full control over these territories.
At the same time, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that attacks by the Defense Forces on Russian oil terminals affect the negotiation process. Therefore, Ukraine will hear "a lot of new things" from the Russians at the next talks.
The president of Ukraine also noted that during future negotiations, it is necessary to agree on a meeting at the level of leaders, since it is in this format that it is possible to decide on territorial issues.
