Ukraine's Zelenskyy says coming weeks to determine whole summer, remainder of year

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the coming weeks will determine how the summer and the rest of the year will unfold in terms of the war with Russia, the peace summit in Switzerland, and relations with the EU.

“Today, I gave several instructions on the preparations for the next meetings of the Staff and the decisions. We see the threats that exist… It is only the beginning of June, but these are already the weeks that will determine the whole summer and, in many ways, this year,” Zelenskyy said in a video address broadcast late Tuesday.

Regarding the upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, relations with the EU, and the situation on the front lines in the war with Russia and domestic production, he said his government is doing its best in all of these areas to achieve positive results.

"I am grateful to everyone who has helped! I am grateful to everyone who is doing everything possible to ensure that this war ends in a way that is fair to Ukraine," he further said.

The president also talked about the staff meeting earlier on Tuesday, saying he heard reports on the front lines from Ukraine's military leadership and government reports on the energy sector as well as the production and procurement of drones.

“This is the area where we must constantly increase the volume. In this war, it has been proven – and especially by our warriors (soldiers) – that drones can provide an advantage and help regain the initiative.

"While we waited for artillery supplies from our partners, the FPV drones almost saved the front line," he added.​​​​​​​