Zelenskiy’s Dual Front: Combining Military Resilience and Diplomatic Outreach in Ukraine’s Struggle Against Russian Aggression

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been actively engaged in diplomatic and military efforts in response to the ongoing conflict with Russia, which started with a full-scale invasion in February 2022. During a visit to Estonia in January 2024, Zelenskiy emphasized that a ceasefire in the conflict would primarily benefit Russia, not lead to political dialogue, and potentially allow Russia to regroup and boost its munitions supply. He underscored the importance of continued support from Ukraine’s Western allies, particularly in the realms of financial and military aid, as well as discussions about Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO and the EU. Zelenskiy highlighted the challenges faced by Ukraine, including a delay in receiving a crucial package of 50 billion euro ($55 billion) of financial support from the European Union, which he deemed critical for the country’s survival. He also thanked the people of Estonia for their unwavering support and solidarity since the start of the war. Zelenskiy’s visit to Estonia was part of a surprise tour of the Baltic states, which also included Lithuania and Latvia, where he sought to boost military cooperation and joint demining efforts. In a separate report, Zelenskiy commented on the heavy losses being suffered by Russian forces. He stated that thousands of Russian soldiers had been killed, particularly highlighting the intense fighting around the besieged eastern town of Avdiivka. While he did not provide evidence for these claims, Western military analysts have generally agreed that Russia is incurring significant costs in terms of personnel and equipment for relatively minor territorial gains in eastern and southern Ukraine. Zelenskiy also acknowledged that while Ukraine’s counteroffensive, backed by advanced Western weapons, may not have achieved the desired results as quickly as some might have hoped, it had led to significant achievements, such as breaking through the Russian Black Sea blockade to enable grain exports.

Zelenskiy’s approach to the conflict appears to be focused on both military resistance and diplomatic efforts to garner support and aid from the international community. He has been actively mobilizing both Ukrainian society and global support, emphasizing that the defense of Ukraine is crucial for global security. His refusal to consider a ceasefire suggests a commitment to continuing the struggle until a more favorable resolution can be achieved. He has also sought to involve China, a major economic partner of Ukraine, in the peace process, saying that he was open to all countries that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He has expressed frustration with the lack of progress in the Normandy format talks, involving France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine, and called for a direct dialogue with Putin, which has been met with silence. He has also praised the effectiveness of the western sanctions against Russia, saying that they have slowed down Russia’s defense industry and reduced its ability to sustain a prolonged war.

In summary, Zelenskiy’s leadership during this tumultuous period is marked by a blend of military resilience and diplomatic outreach, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s position both on the battlefield and in the international arena. His statements reflect a determination to resist Russian advances and to secure the support necessary for Ukraine’s continued resistance and eventual recovery​​​​.