What’s happening? Zelensky, Russia, and Trump
Russia claims it wants peace and has proposed a new round of negotiations with Ukraine to take place on June 2 in Istanbul. At the same time, it is massing tens of thousands of troops near the Sumy region and strengthening its positions in Donetsk, where it already controls around 70% of the territory. All signs point toward a major summer offensive.
Meanwhile, a different narrative is emerging in the Russian press: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky allegedly does not want real negotiations, but is rather buying time until the fall in order to strike Russia at a more politically favorable moment. The key factor? Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress.
What is Russian media saying? Who is Oleg Tsaryov?
Oleg Tsaryov, a former member of Ukraine’s parliament and now a frequent figure in Russian propaganda outlets, stated in an interview on Tsargrad TV (and republished by Moskovskii Komsomolets) that Zelensky is deliberately delaying any potential U.S.–Russia–Ukraine summit in hopes that Donald Trump will lose political strength by September, when the U.S. Congress votes on the federal budget and internal power dynamics within the Republican Party may shift.
According to Tsaryov:
- Trump no longer holds dominant power in Congress, and his influence among Republicans is fading.
- The pro-war globalist faction in the U.S. is expected to gain more strength this fall.
- Zelensky is betting on these globalists to push for greater support for the war against Russia.
- If the plan works, Ukraine will resume a large-scale offensive, backed by greater Western financial and military aid.
- Trump supporters (dubbed “Trumpists”) are a minority within the Republican majority in Congress.
In short, Tsaryov claims Zelensky hopes Trump’s influence will diminish, giving the green light for more aggressive Ukrainian military action by the fall.
What’s happening on the battlefield?
✔ In the north, in Sumy, Zelensky has warned that Russia has massed over 50,000 troops, indicating a potential major assault.
✔ In the east, in Donetsk, Russia is expected to launch offensives toward Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, strategic cities still under Ukrainian control.
✔ On the propaganda front, Russian forces claim they have captured Czech-made NATO rifles (CZ Bren-2) abandoned by Ukrainian soldiers during an ambush near Sumy.
June 2 in Istanbul — Peace summit or smokescreen?
Russia has submitted a memorandum of peace proposals and officially invited Ukraine to peace talks in Istanbul. Ukraine agreed on the condition that it receives Russia’s terms in advance for review.
At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over Russia’s behavior and issued a two-week ultimatum: if Moscow does not show real commitment to peace, the U.S. will “respond differently”.
Donald Trump quote:
“I can’t tell you that, but I’ll let you know in about two weeks. We’re going to find out whether or not he’s tapping us along or not, and if he is, we’ll respond a little bit differently.”
— May 28, 2025
CBCRO Analysis: A two-faced war — diplomacy vs. military buildup
In reality, all parties are playing on two fronts:
- Russia offers diplomacy, while its military prepares for a full-scale summer offensive.
- Ukraine enters negotiations, but avoids any real commitment, hoping the political winds in Washington will shift in its favor.
- Trump is caught in the middle, squeezed between his desire for peace and rising internal pressure from pro-war politicians in the U.S. Congress.
The Istanbul summit, while symbolic, could be nothing more than theater. The real decisions will be made on the battlefield, not at the negotiation table.
Conclusion: Fall will be decisive — but summer will be explosive
Zelensky wants to reach September without making concessions. Russia wants to strike before that. Trump wants peace — but lacks the leverage.
Behind diplomatic smiles, weapons are being loaded. And once again, Ukrainian civilians will pay the highest price.