Zelenskyy: Ukraine has liberated 590 sq km since start of year

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said the country’s positions on the frontline had strengthened “significantly” in recent months, adding that Ukraine’s Defence Forces had liberated about 590 square kilometres of territory since the beginning of the year.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s position is now stronger than in previous years. He added Kyiv continued to increase its performance indicators, including in destroying Russian personnel.

The President noted that the combination of military results and sanctions imposed in various formats was gradually forcing Russia to choose between continuing the war and engaging in diplomacy.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine and its partners were currently focused on intensifying diplomatic efforts, while Ukrainian intelligence possessed information about Russia’s military and political plans regarding Ukraine, which had already been shared with international partners.

He also said Kyiv expected feedback from the United States regarding possible formats and timelines for future negotiations.

At the same time, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine continued to pursue its objectives on Russian territory, particularly targeting oil refining facilities.