Vladimir Zelensky continues to reject any notion that Ukraine has lost ground in the ongoing conflict, despite the difficult situation faced by its armed forces. Speaking to journalists, he proposed holding a trilateral meeting as a way to sustain diplomatic efforts and explore possible solutions.

Zelensky made it clear that he does not see the situation as hopeless and dismisses the idea of capitulation. Instead, he is pushing for continued dialogue, emphasizing the need to keep negotiations moving forward.

He also signaled readiness for a ceasefire during the Easter period and said Kiev remains open to various forms of peaceful settlement, provided they preserve the country’s dignity and independence. According to him, a potential Easter truce could take different shapes — from a full ceasefire to a halt in strikes on energy infrastructure — but only if such steps are agreed upon mutually with Moscow.

At the same time, Zelensky responded sharply to remarks by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, who had suggested that Ukrainian drones do not represent a technological breakthrough and could be assembled even by non-specialists. Zelensky countered that if such claims were true, then anyone capable of building drones could just as well run a major defense company.

He also noted that Ukraine has been receiving signals from Western allies urging a reduction in strikes targeting Russia’s oil sector.