4 July 2026, 20:45

Zelenskyy on seizing the initiative: Ukraine brings the war back to the aggressor

Володимир Зеленський під час зустрічі з українськими військовими

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the world expects only one thing from Ukraine – victory over Russia, according to the President’s official Telegram channel. During a meeting with soldiers, Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has successfully seized the initiative from Russia, effectively returning the war to its origin. He emphasized that it is vital for Russian society to experience the consequences of the aggressive war they initiated. Despite having fewer resources than the adversary, Ukraine has achieved tangible results that have earned international respect and anticipation for a Ukrainian victory. The President specifically highlighted that Russia has effectively lost control of the Black Sea, a point underscored by the significant losses inflicted on the Russian Black Sea Fleet. In the face of these failures, the Kremlin continues to propagate disinformation, such as claims regarding the capture of Kostiantynivka, which have been debunked by the General Staff. As a bold diplomatic gesture, Zelenskyy challenged Putin to a meeting in Kostiantynivka to verify the “liberation” of the city, an offer the Kremlin predictably declined, insisting on Moscow as the only location. This episode underscores the persistent gap between Moscow’s propaganda and the reality on the ground. Ukraine remains committed to reclaiming its sovereign territory, with the Armed Forces continuously adapting their defense strategies to counter mass strikes. By forcing the war back onto Russian soil and waters, Ukraine is demonstrating that the cost of aggression is rising for the invader. The path to security lies in the continued resilience of the Ukrainian defenders and the unwavering support of international allies who await the definitive defeat of the Russian occupation forces.