We have more to bring you now, thanks to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s interview on Ukrainian radio broadcast across the country this morning.

We previously reported the Ukrainian president’s comments that he wanted to end the war through diplomacy and his hopes of meeting Donald Trump after his inauguration in January (see post 8.21).

Zelensky also acknowledged a “difficult” situation for kyiv’s troops in eastern Ukraine, where Russia has been waging a fierce offensive for months.

Asked about an analysis showing Russia occupied a record amount of territory last month, Zelenskyy cited several problems, including the recruitment of new brigades and delays in arms deliveries from partners.

“We have been waiting for some weapons deliveries for 12 months, since they were approved by Congress,” Zelensky said.

He said some “strong” brigades in the east needed to be replaced, but added that new troops recruited without proper weaponry would be “like cannon fodder”.

“No one wants that. So the soldiers are exhausted and have to withdraw,” he said.

Once the new brigades are “armed and ready,” Russian forces “will find themselves in the same position we currently face in the east,” Zelensky said.