The war could soon be over: Ukraine has 'pressured' Russia into negotiations

 Diplomatic movement around the war in Ukraine is beginning to pick up pace again after months of grinding battlefield pressure, political deadlock and escalating attacks.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy now claims Kyiv has successfully pushed Vladimir Putin toward direct negotiations, even as fighting across the front line continues at full intensity, according to Digi24.

Zelenskyy says pressure is working

Speaking during his evening address, the Ukrainian president said Moscow now appears more willing to engage in serious talks than before.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine has spent months preparing for negotiations while simultaneously increasing pressure on Russia militarily and politically.

He argued that the Kremlin’s recent signals suggest that strategy may finally be producing movement.

Kyiv is now attempting to establish a concrete framework for future discussions, though Ukrainian officials insist any agreement must include long-term security guarantees rather than a temporary pause in fighting.

Putin signals openness to talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated that Moscow is prepared for what he described as genuine negotiations regarding the conflict.

Following Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, Putin also suggested the war could be approaching its final phase, though he offered no timeline.

At the same time, the Kremlin continues promoting its own version of earlier failed negotiations, including claims that Russia’s withdrawal from areas near Kyiv in 2022 occurred after requests from Western leaders.

Moscow has reportedly indicated a willingness to host future talks, while Ukrainian officials reject the Russian capital as a possible location.

Kyiv instead says Zelenskyy would only consider meeting Putin in a neutral country.

Frontline fighting continues

Despite diplomatic language from both sides, combat operations remain intense.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine avoided launching long-range attacks for two days because Russia had temporarily refrained from major strikes. Still, he stressed that no true ceasefire exists along the front.

According to Ukrainian figures, more than 150 assault operations, over 100 bombardments and nearly 10,000 kamikaze drone attacks took place during the weekend alone.

Russian forces continue offensive activity in strategically important regions, while Ukrainian troops remain engaged in defensive operations across multiple sectors.