Zelensky: The stronger we are on battlefield, the more we can achieve in diplomacy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this in his nightly video address, Ukrinform reports, citing his Telegram channel.

"It is obvious to everyone in the world that Russia not only has the largest internationally recognized territory, but also the largest territory that is undeveloped and neglected. All of Russia exists for the sake of Moscow and St. Petersburg, and if everything else were to collapse, no one there would even notice. So when they want more kilometers of Ukrainian land, it is not about territory for them at all. It is about preserving their power forever – about subjugating a neighboring nation," he said.

Zelensky added that the threat from Russia had become clear to many neighboring countries.

"We have clearly seen that nothing can be expected from Russia except destruction. And we are not the only ones who have seen it – everyone in Europe has, and every one of Russia's neighbors, from Finland to Kazakhstan and Japan," he said.

According to Zelensky, all of Ukraine's partners now understand the necessity of strengthening defense.

"Accordingly, everyone understands what must be done for defense, and it is the Ukrainian defense of positions that is the key task for us and for all our partners," he said.

He also noted that Ukraine's strength on the battlefield directly affects diplomatic opportunities.

"The stronger we are in our defense on the frontline, the more we can achieve in diplomacy, and the more actively the world will help us press Russia to end its war," Zelensky said.