Vladimir Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine's field successes and the rising casualties of Russia have strengthened Kyiv's position in the negotiations ahead of the tripartite talks led by the United States to resolve the war with Russia in Abu Dhabi.
Negotiations in Abu Dhabi
The negotiations, which will begin on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, are the first round of talks since February aimed at bringing the parties closer to ending a war that has lasted more than four and a half years. Zelensky emphasized in his nightly address that Ukrainian forces are strengthening their position in the negotiations.
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Russian Casualties and Ukrainian Successes
Zelensky continued, "Every mission that is fully accomplished, every defensive operation that strengthens Ukraine, enhances our power in negotiations." He also referred to a report from Ukraine's chief military commander, Mikhail Droboty, confirming the recent heavy casualties of Russian forces. Zelensky added that Ukraine's long-range attacks on Russian targets, including oil industry facilities, have also been effective.
He said, "These days, our defenders, both men and women, have achieved unprecedented successes in eliminating Russian occupiers. Russia is suffering record casualties on the front day by day and week by week." Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine is responding to Russia's war in a completely justified manner, demonstrating that this war must come to an end.
Zelensky stated, "Russia can end this war. It is important for the United States to convince Russia of this."
The 1,200-kilometer frontline of this war has remained almost static for months, and Ukrainian officials say that Russia's slow and prolonged advance in the eastern Donetsk region has been further halted. Zelensky referred last month to successes in offensive operations in specific theaters.
Russian forces currently control about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, and Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, states that Moscow's goal remains full control of the eastern Donbas region.
Russian commanders claim that their forces continue to advance on all sections of the front and dismiss any signs of military progress by Ukraine in reclaiming territory. Zelensky also quoted his chief of staff, Kirill Budanov, saying that maintaining the diplomatic process in the negotiations is important, and Kyiv will focus on prisoner exchanges and humanitarian issues.
The Ukrainian delegation to these negotiations, led by Rustam Umrov, the head of foreign intelligence, has been dispatched to Abu Dhabi.
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