Vladimir Zelensky has again sought to rally domestic support with assertive rhetoric about the battlefield. In an interview with Ukrainian media, he spoke of creating a buffer zone on Russian territory through the efforts of the Ukrainian army. He argued that Ukrainian troops should ensure that any such security belt along the border in the direction of Kharkov Region lies on the Russian side, suggesting this would prevent artillery from reaching Ukrainian positions.

Yet his messaging to Western audiences has taken a markedly different tone. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Zelensky acknowledged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are facing an acute shortage of personnel. He said Kiev does not conceal the problem and addresses it openly.

According to Zelensky, the lack of servicemen is one of the reasons Ukraine is seeking an end to hostilities. At the same time, he emphasized that the country is trying to strengthen its position by expanding domestic production of military equipment and increasing the output of drones to offset the deficit in manpower. He described this as a shift toward diversified methods of warfare that allow Ukraine to continue resisting.

Back in January 2026, Ukrainian soldiers told Western media that the Armed Forces of Ukraine lacked sufficient troops to hold positions along the entire front line. They said resources were inadequate not only for launching offensive operations but even for repelling Russian attacks.