Zelenskyy on drone strikes Results and diplomacy

Jun 2, 2025

Answering BBC correspondent Paul Adams on June 2, Zelenskyy says the previous day’s Operation Spiderweb struck more than forty Russian military targets, was independently carried out by Ukraine after about eighteen months’ preparation and restored allies’ confidence. He contrasts it with an earlier battlefield operation in occupied Ukraine using four hundred drones simultaneously, giving a more-than-forty figure while listing artillery, air defence, armour and tanks as destroyed after roughly three months’ preparation. Answering ABC’s Martha Raddatz, he describes Russian offensives near Sumy and Pokrovsk, argues that the strategic strike reduces Russia’s capabilities and dismisses concerns about angering Russia by citing its preceding mass attacks. He hopes Trump will support sanctions and a ceasefire, then describes a planned US team visit to discuss a proposed free-trade agreement and paid weapons deal, with no agreement concluded. In a later return, POLITICO’s Veronika Melkozerova asks whether Spiderweb changed Russian negotiators’ behaviour. Zelenskyy relays alleged Russian complaints about threats, expresses surprise and says he was told they were somewhat calmer but still brazen. Damage totals, diplomatic effects and demeanour are his claims or reported impressions.

In his June 2 briefing, Zelenskyy says Ukraine has proposed talks with the United States on a free trade agreement and a defense agreement for supplying weapons that Ukraine wants to purchase. He says the Ukrainian team plans to visit the U.S. and raise both issues, recalls discussion with Trump, and expects further U.S. meetings and a partner-team meeting in Kyiv. This is an announcement of proposals and planned talks, not signed agreements, completed visits, arms deliveries or a new minerals-fund agreement.