Zelensky Says Vivaldi Operation Is Successful

Zelensky described the Vivaldi operation as very successful but said it is not finished yet.

According to him, Ukrainian forces have so far de-occupied approximately 125–140 square kilometers.

Zelensky said the operation had also resulted in significantly higher Russian casualties over the past two to three months.

Zelensky Claims Russian Casualties Have Increased

Zelensky said Russia had been suffering around 30,000–32,000 casualties per month since the beginning of the year.

He said approximately 21,000–22,000 were killed, with others suffering serious injuries.

According to Zelensky, Russian casualties have now increased to around 42,000 per month.

He said Ukraine lost several times fewer personnel during the offensive than Russia, despite Russian forces being on the defensive.

These casualty figures are claims by Zelensky and were not independently verified in his remarks.

Operation Was Delayed

Zelensky said Ukrainian military leaders wanted to begin the operation about a year earlier.

However, he said the operation was postponed because preparations were not yet sufficient.

Zelensky said the delay ultimately allowed Ukraine to prepare better, which he believes contributed to the reported gains and lower losses.

Zelensky on U.S Efforts to End the War

Zelensky said he believes the United States genuinely wants to end Russia's war against Ukraine.

He said he trusts the United States but acknowledged that ending a war can be difficult when one side does not want to stop fighting.

According to Zelensky, Washington is therefore trying to find compromises with Moscow.

Zelensky Warns About Russian Conditions

Zelensky argued that negotiating around Russian demands could waste time.

He said that when Russian President Vladimir Putin sees an opportunity to gain something through negotiations, he may introduce additional proposals and conditions.

Zelensky said Russia could change its demands depending on changes in governments, European leadership or U.S policy.

He also linked the issue to the current U.S focus on negotiations involving Iran, saying he expects Russia to introduce additional conditions.

Trump and Putin

Zelensky said U.S President Donald Trump may want to achieve a diplomatic success before the midterm elections.

He argued that Putin could try to use that situation to influence negotiations by deciding what Russia is willing to give and what it will not give.

Zelensky said this has created a situation where Putin may believe that he is the one who can determine the terms of negotiations.

Zelensky Says U.S Has Greater Power

Zelensky argued that the United States has significantly greater power than Russia.

He said America is “one hundred times stronger than Russia” and argued that Washington needs to remember that when dealing with Moscow.

This was Zelensky's assessment of the relative strength of the two countries, rather than an independently established measurement.

Ukraine's Response to Russian Energy Attacks

Zelensky also said Ukraine must respond to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.

He said Ukraine would target Russian energy facilities, particularly oil refineries and other infrastructure that generates money for Russia's war effort.

At the same time, Zelensky said Ukraine would not deliberately target civilian objects.

Zelensky Says Russia Is Targeting Infrastructure

Zelensky claimed Russian forces are attacking infrastructure and logistics in cities and villages, including roads, schools and hospitals.

He said Ukraine had reviewed documents that, in his view, showed authorization for attacks against infrastructure.

According to Zelensky, the purpose is to put pressure on civilians and encourage people to leave Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

Ukraine's Financial Situation

Zelensky said Ukraine has been working for months to address its financial deficit.

He said the country expects to close its existing financial gap by the end of the year, while acknowledging that some issues remain unresolved.

He credited Ukraine's budget planning and cooperation with international partners, particularly the European Union.

Drones for 2027

Zelensky said Ukraine plans to use some financing for next year to place drone orders earlier.

He said his team had returned from Brussels and reported that the process was progressing.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine intends to move some funding closer to January and use it to order drones for January and February 2027.

Key Points

  • Zelensky called the Vivaldi operation successful but said it is still ongoing.
  • He claimed Ukraine has de-occupied 125–140 square kilometers.
  • Zelensky said Russian casualties have risen to around 42,000 per month.
  • He claimed Ukraine has suffered several times fewer losses during the offensive.
  • He said the operation was delayed for better preparation.
  • Zelensky said he trusts the U.S but believes Russia is using negotiations to introduce new conditions.
  • He warned that Putin could try to take advantage of U.S diplomatic priorities.
  • Zelensky argued that the U.S has far greater power than Russia.
  • He said Ukraine will target Russian energy infrastructure while avoiding civilian targets.
  • He said Ukraine expects to close its financial gap by the end of 2026.
  • Ukraine plans to order drones for January and February 2027.

Source

Statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Reuters.