Mr. Zelensky admitted that Ukraine is not strong enough to regain territory by military means.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an interview to Japan's Kyodo News Agency about the war situation last weekend.

With Russia advancing rapidly in the east, Mr Zelensky said support from partners was “insufficient” and urged NATO to invite Ukraine to dialogue on joining the alliance as soon as possible. He said the conflict had entered a complex phase and support from partners was not up to the required level.

Zelensky's new calculation for NATO to protect Ukraine

The leader frankly acknowledged the difficulty of retaking territories controlled by Russia. "Our army lacks the strength to do that. That's true. We have to find diplomatic solutions," Mr. Zelensky said.

However, the Ukrainian president continued that such steps could only be considered "when we know that we are strong enough" to prevent Russia from launching a new attack.

Mr. Zelensky at a memorial ceremony in Kyiv on November 21.

According to Kyodo News, Mr. Zelensky's hints about being ready to negotiate to reclaim some territory after the conflict ends show a shift in strategy compared to before, when he declared he would fight to regain all the territory.

In an earlier interview with Sky News, Mr Zelensky suggested that a ceasefire would only be accepted if NATO provided security guarantees for all Ukrainian-controlled territory. Russian-controlled areas could be retaken through diplomacy.

The interview comes as the Ukraine conflict faces an uncertain future, with US President-elect Donald Trump seeking a quick but unspecified end to the fighting. Mr Zelensky said Mr Trump’s team understands Ukraine’s position and plans to win in order to gain a strong position at the diplomatic table.

"They are studying the plan and we will hear from them. But there will be no surrender from Ukraine. That is the reality and I think he understands that," Mr. Zelensky said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ong-zelensky-thua-nhan-ukraine-khong-du-manh-de-gianh-lai-lanh-tho-bang-quan-su-18524120310132667.htm