Zelenskyy: Ukraine now outperforms Russia on battlefield and in modern weapons production

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine currently appears stronger than Russia both on the battlefield and in the production of modern weapons, arguing that Russian forces have lost the initiative across most sectors of the front.

Zelenskyy said Russian troops attempted to advance in 12 directions but have lost momentum in nearly all of them. He said limited Russian progress is currently being recorded in only two or three areas where Moscow has concentrated significant manpower and equipment.

“On other directions, they have truly lost the initiative and we have regained it. Moreover, on two or three fronts, we are now more successful,” Zelenskyy said.

The President also noted that the country’s Defence Forces are making progress in the Pokrovsk sector, while active combat operations continue as neither side intends to halt military actions.

Zelenskyy further argued that Ukraine is in a stronger position regarding medium- and long-range strike capabilities. He said the country plans to produce around 10 million drones this year, while existing industrial capacity could allow output to increase to as many as 20 million units.

The President added that growing international pressure on Russia is also contributing to the situation on the ground. According to him, Western sanctions have become more effective, although their scale remains insufficient. He also highlighted the importance of partners’ decision to provide €90 billion in European support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s remarks come after US President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed that the Ukrainian leader had “no cards” in the context of the war with Russia.