The escalation in the Middle East, marked by recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military facilities, alongside persistent high-intensity combat in Eastern Europe, is forging a harsh new geopolitical landscape for Spring 2026. Against this backdrop, the risk of weapons shortages for European nations is rising, while diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war face uncompromising new ultimatums from Moscow.
In this context, President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an extensive 50-minute interview to the Italian publication Corriere della Sera. Speaking with journalists, the head of state detailed Kyiv's vision regarding current global challenges, the negotiation process with the Russian Federation, and the actual situation on the front lines.
Impact of the Middle East Crisis on Ukraine
The President supported the decision to strike Iranian military targets, emphasizing that Tehran remains a key weapons supplier for Russia, particularly providing drones and missiles. At the same time, he expressed concern that such escalation could complicate the supply chain for Ukrainian air defense systems.
"We use the Purl program to purchase American weapons with European funds. These may now be needed by the Americans themselves," Zelensky noted, recalling that a similar slowdown in deliveries occurred during the 12-day war in Israel in June 2025.
Negotiations and the Situation in Donbas
According to the head of state, the next round of trilateral negotiations involving the United States has not been canceled. It is scheduled for March 5-6 and will likely take place in Europe, specifically in Geneva.
The President categorically rejected the possibility of territorial swaps. He confirmed that he had previously agreed to Donald Trump's proposal to freeze the line of contact to stop the bloodshed; however, Russia put forward unacceptable conditions—the total withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the entire Donbas and the creation of demilitarized zones exclusively on the Ukrainian side of the front.
"I will never abandon Donbas and the 200,000 Ukrainians living there," Zelensky stated, calling the Russian demands "pure madness."
Frontline Dynamics and European Security
Assessing the military situation, the president reported that since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian forces have managed to regain control of 460 square kilometers of territory. Meanwhile, Russia is suffering colossal losses—up to 35,000 personnel monthly. Zelensky emphasized that the Kremlin's plans to mobilize an additional 400,000 people only cover these losses, leaving the Russian army on the brink of crisis.
Furthermore, Ukraine is ready to share its expertise in drone warfare with allies. The president proposed a concept to Europeans for creating "walls of drones" on EU borders to protect against Russian aggression, urging Europe to accelerate licensing and ramp up its own military production.
Internal Politics and Relations with Neighbors
Zelensky also sharply criticized the stance of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, accusing Russia of deliberately destroying the Druzhba oil pipeline. At the same time, he highly praised the support from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, noting that she is "on the right side of history."
Regarding domestic policy, the president stressed that holding elections in Ukraine will only be possible after the final conclusion of the war, adding that the question of his own candidacy remains at the discretion of the Ukrainian people.