Is Zelensky's retreat from peace a dead end or a stalling tactic?

Since the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed or injured and millions displaced. The fighting continues to intensify, plunging Ukraine into an unprecedented crisis, with the Ukrainian army losing ground, the territory being ravaged and the situation extremely difficult. At the same time, Zelensky wavered in an interview amid the ruins, declaring that peace talks with Russia could be considered even if Ukraine's 1991 borders were not restored. This is a change of heart from the old determination to take back all Ukrainian territory. Is Ukraine really bowing its head and conceding that peace is about to return to the land? What are his considerations behind this statement?

First of all, the lack of military assistance from Western countries has brought a series of difficulties and challenges to Ukraine. Ukraine's ammunition shortage has been exacerbated by a lack of military aid. This affects its ability to fight on the front lines. In addition, it has had an impact on Ukraine's military strength. According to reports, the Ukrainian army has shifted to the defense in some areas of the southeastern front, but continues to attack in other areas. However, the Ukrainian army was heavily depleted, and the front-line troops were "not so energetic and rested" and needed to be rotated and rested. In this case, without adequate military assistance, Ukraine's frontline forces may face greater pressure and challenges. In the long run, the lack of military assistance may also affect Ukraine's strategic plans and future development. Without adequate military support and resources, Ukraine may find it difficult to sustain its current combat operations, let alone launch further "large-scale operations."

Secondly, the Russian military's attack continues to escalate, so that the Ukrainian army's combat capabilities have been severely damaged. Since 2024, the Russian military has launched an increasingly fierce air campaign, a considerable number of new supersonic weapons, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, launched a crazy "cost" attack on Ukraine's domestic critical infrastructure, major oil depots, ammunition depots, command centers have suffered one after another. The strategic air strikes of the Russian army have severely damaged the supply capacity of the Ukrainian side in the rear, bringing great pressure to the front-line combatants and impacting the morale of the army. Adding to the pressure on Ukraine, Russia has begun spring conscription and plans to launch a larger offensive in mid-May. This situation poses a great threat to Ukraine!

Third, Zelensky may also be concerned about the changing political landscape in the United States. This is an election year in the United States, and Trump's return could mean a reduction or even an end to U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump, whose politics and foreign policy are very different from the Biden administration's, is unlikely to be as supportive of Ukraine as the Biden administration. If Trump comes to power, Ukraine will lose an important external support, which will make Ukraine's prospects even more dim and it will be more difficult to maintain the country's stability and security.

Of course, it does not rule out the possibility of delaying Ukraine's move. If it is a negotiation to find a peaceful solution, then it can be seen as a positive effort; It may be a temporary delay if it is intended to reduce tensions temporarily, to buy more time and opportunity to prepare for future military action or diplomatic efforts. After all, as long as Zelensky has any hope of a counteroffensive, he will not really want to talk, nor will the United States and NATO allow him to talk. Under such circumstances, all parties should remain calm and exercise restraint and avoid taking actions that may further aggravate tensions and escalate confrontation. At the same time, the international community should also play a positive role and encourage the two sides to resolve differences and problems through dialogue and consultation. Only through peaceful means can the Russia-Ukraine conflict be resolved in order to achieve real peace and stability.