Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a CBS interview broadcast May 31 that Ukraine has a limited window before winter to turn battlefield momentum into a diplomatic opening with Russia.
- He proposed a negotiation format that includes Ukraine, Russia, the United States and European partners because he believes a broader coalition will have the most leverage.
- Zelensky urged stricter sanctions on Russia and said domestic pressure inside Russia from heavy battlefield losses could help push Moscow to the table.
- He has formally asked the White House and Congress to increase production of Patriot‑type interceptors and to grant Ukraine licenses to help manufacture air‑defence missiles at home.
- U.S.‑brokered technical talks have stalled as Washington focused on the Middle East, though Kyiv says visits by U.S. envoys have been discussed and could influence whether the window for talks opens.