This is reported by Kyiv24
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron that none of Russia’s current offensive operations on Ukrainian territory have been successful. He also shared his vision of how the actions of the Russian army affect the course of negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.
The Situation on the Frontline and Enemy Losses
The head of state emphasized that intense battles are ongoing along various sections of the frontline, particularly in the Pokrovsk area, while Ukrainian forces are demonstrating significant successes in the Kupiansk direction. Zelensky highlighted that despite Russia’s claims of capturing Kupiansk, Ukrainian forces have effectively “cleared almost everyone from this city.”
“Undoubtedly, there are intense battles in Pokrovsk itself, and in other directions, for example, our guys are having more success in the Kupiansk direction. Russia claims to have captured Kupiansk, but honestly, we have almost cleared everyone from this city,” he said.
Zelensky urged to rely on official reports from the Ukrainian command regarding the situation on the frontline. According to him, although there are many Russian soldiers, they have suffered record losses over the past two months since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The president stressed that the frontline remains dynamic: if the Russian army is reinforced with personnel, advances are possible, but these attempts often end in significant losses and retreats for the enemy.
Negotiations, Security Guarantees, and Ukraine’s Position
The president noted that Ukraine is also suffering losses and has sought an end to the war since the first days of the invasion. However, in his opinion, the main issue remains not the advancement of the Russian army, but the enemy’s unwillingness to cease aggression. Zelensky emphasized that territorial issues are always closely linked to the security of citizens, and future security guarantees must extend to the entire territory of Ukraine. Only after the war ends should guarantees be provided to prevent a new invasion.
The president underscored that Ukraine is under constant political and military pressure, including due to the increasing number of missile and drone attacks from Russia. Zelensky characterized this as “not only psychological but also physical pressure” on the civilian population.
He assured that the government will fulfill its constitutional duties in response to these challenges.
Meanwhile, according to the American Institute for the Study of War, Moscow continues to spread disinformation, claiming the inevitability of its victory to urge Ukraine and Western countries to make concessions on its terms.
According to the Kremlin, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will hold further negotiations with Vladimir Putin on December 2. This will be the sixth meeting of diplomats since January of this year.
Previously, a U.S. proposal consisting of 28 points raised concerns among the Ukrainian authorities. On November 23, the Ukrainian delegation discussed these issues with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and other representatives of the American administration in Geneva.
As a result of the consultations, an updated plan of 19 points was formed, leaving several key issues open, including the future of part of Donbas, Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership, and potential limitations on the size of the Armed Forces. Additional negotiations took place in Florida a week later.