Zelenskyy says Ukraine lacks resources to liberate occupied territories, calls for diplomatic solution

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the Ukrainian armed forces currently lack the strength to liberate occupied territories, including Crimea. In an interview with Kyodo News, Zelensky acknowledged the difficulty of reclaiming these regions, stating, “we do not have the strength to return Crimea. Our army does not have enough strength now, that’s true.”

While the president suggested a diplomatic solution could be considered, he stressed it would only be viable if Ukraine had guarantees Russia would not launch attacks in the future. “Yes, we must find a diplomatic solution,” Zelenskyy said. “But only after we know that we are strong enough to prevent new aggression from Russia.”

Zelenskyy also raised concerns about North Korea’s military involvement in the conflict. He revealed that thousands of North Korean personnel were training in Russia, where they are learning about modern military technologies, including drone control. The president warned that if North Korea gained this expertise, it could pose significant risks for the wider Asian region.