Ukrainian President Zelensky faces tough questions amid diplomatic setbacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address journalists in an end-of-year press conference, grappling with diplomatic setbacks and a diminishing trust among Ukrainians.

As the country’s military faces increasing pressure on the front lines, Zelensky’s recent tour of Western nations aimed at securing support yielded mixed results, with the US Congress hesitating on $60 billion aid and Hungary blocking 50 billion euros earmarked for Kyiv.

The backdrop to Zelensky’s press conference is a challenging period for Ukraine, marked by a disappointing counteroffensive launched in June using Western-supplied tanks and weapons.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed concerns about ongoing war crimes, attributing them primarily to the forces of the Russian Federation, further fueling weariness over the prolonged conflict.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, determined to claim victory, asserted that society rallied behind the war effort during a recent meeting with defense officials. Putin, who announced his intention to seek re-election in March, criticized the West, accusing it of seeking Moscow’s destruction, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to the ongoing military operation in Ukraine.

Amidst these geopolitical tensions, Zelensky faces a domestic challenge with recent polls indicating a significant drop in trust, down to 62 percent from 84 percent a year ago.

The decline in public confidence coincides with the modest gains achieved in this year’s counteroffensive, contrasting sharply with previous celebrations of territorial advancements in the east and south.

In a bid to address concerns, Zelensky will engage with local and foreign journalists, confronting questions about the complexities of the conflict and the strategic direction of Ukraine’s military operations.

Despite setbacks and growing discontent, the majority of society still supports Ukraine’s armed forces and its commander, Valery

Zaluzhny. Notably, Kyiv residents have taken to the city center, demanding increased funds to bolster the military’s efforts to reclaim territory. The political landscape reflects deepening divides, with Zelensky striving to maintain resilience in the face of shifting public opinion.

In the midst of these challenges, the Black Sea emerges as a focal point of success for Ukraine.

Ukrainian drones have successfully forced Russian warships to redeploy, showcasing a tactical advantage despite setbacks on other fronts. Moreover, Ukraine has defiantly reopened a maritime corridor for commercial cargo ships using Black Sea ports, defying Moscow’s threats to treat such vessels as military targets.

As Zelensky addresses the nation and the world, the Ukrainian president navigates a complex terrain of political, diplomatic, and military challenges.

The press conference is not only a platform to answer questions but also a critical juncture for Zelensky to regain public trust, rally support for Ukraine’s armed forces, and present a resilient image despite the formidable obstacles posed by the ongoing conflict with Russia.