Zelenskiy says Russia has gathered 50,000 troops for offensive on northern Ukraine
News Mania Desk / Piyal Chatterjee / 28th May 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that Russia has amassed 50,000 soldiers near Ukraine’s northern Sumy area, but noted that Kyiv has implemented measures to hinder Moscow from launching a major offensive in that region.
The escalation occurs as Russia seems to be preparing for a summer assault in Ukraine, while Kyiv anticipates Moscow to submit a document detailing its prerequisites for continuing ceasefire negotiations. Sumy is positioned near the border with Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine had previously captured and maintained territory for several months before almost being entirely expelled last month, though it claims to still control certain regions there.
Putin has expressed his desire for a “buffer zone” along the border between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskiy stated that he thought Russia aimed for a buffer area of around 10 kilometers (6 miles).
Recently, Russia has taken control of at least four border villages in the area and has been gradually advancing in certain sections of the frontline in eastern Ukraine close to the city of Kostyantynivka over the past few weeks.
Nonetheless, Zelenskiy stated that the Russians had been driven back in that region by 4 km (2.5 miles) within two days. Ukraine and Russia exchanged 1,000 prisoners each following a gathering of their delegations in Istanbul almost two weeks prior, which did not result in the ceasefire desired by Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe.
Zelenskiy mentioned that he considered Turkey, the Vatican, and Switzerland as the most feasible locations for ongoing talks with Russia. He mentioned that Malta and certain unspecified African nations have also shown interest in hosting discussions. Zelenskiy stated that he will participate in the upcoming G7 summit after receiving an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose nation is currently in charge of the bloc’s rotating presidency. He mentioned that he is expected to participate in the upcoming EU summit.
