Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his country's attacks on the Russian navy in the Black Sea have paralyzed Moscow's military efforts, as he sought support for his forces even while the world expects immediate successes from them. Despite the intense offensive launched by Kyiv for months, the wide front line in the east and south of the country has only shifted slightly over the past year, stirring criticism and growing impatience among some of Ukraine's Western allies.
In a recorded speech aired on Tuesday evening, Zelensky said, "We live in a world that quickly gets used to success. When the large-scale invasion began, many around the world did not believe that Ukraine would survive." He added, "Glory to those who do not back down, who do not burn out, and who believe in Ukraine just as they did on February 24, and who fight for it relentlessly."
Zelensky noted that his forces have succeeded in diminishing Moscow's military power in the Black Sea, adding that this could lead to Ukraine's eventual victory over Russia with greater support from Kyiv's allies. He stated, "When we ensure more security in the Black Sea, Russia will lose any ability to dominate this region and expand its malicious influence on other countries." Zelensky concluded, "Ukraine's success in the Battle of the Black Sea will be recorded in history books, even though it is not much discussed today."
