Ukraine Says Battlefield Stabilized as Drone Interceptions Surge to 90%

Ukraine has emerged from its most difficult winter in a stronger military position, with the front line stabilized and air defenses now intercepting “up to 90%” of incoming Russian drones, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Monday in Brussels.

Speaking ahead of an EU foreign ministers’ meeting, Sybiha said Ukraine’s battlefield position had significantly improved, largely due to sustained Western support.

“On the battlefield, we have stabilized the front,” he said. “We are also now in a position where we are closing the skies.”

According to him, Ukrainian forces are now shooting down as many as 9 out of 10 aerial targets used in Russian attacks.

Beyond battlefield gains, Sybiha pointed to intensified pressure on Moscow, including what he described as effective long-range sanctions.

“We are also conducting very effective special long-range sanctions, and they are working,” he said, likely referring to Kyiv’s near-daily strikes on Russian oil facilities in recent weeks, attacks that President Volodymyr Zelensky said had cost Moscow $7 billion this year thus far.

Arriving in Brussels with what he called a “new feeling of momentum,” Sybiha said Ukraine’s priority remains achieving a “just and comprehensive peace,” while continuing to strengthen its defenses.

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Sybiha’s comments came as Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin suggested the war could end soon, expressed openness to negotiating with Europe on Ukraine, and indicated he could travel to third countries to finalize peace deals, while also calling for long-term allies as Europe’s negotiator, leaving his intentions unclear.

Sybiha also underlined the growing, but complementary, role Europe could play in future peace efforts.

“We have mainstream peace talks under the leadership of the United States, and we need this track, and we need US leadership, but Europe could also play its role,” Sybiha said.

“And I’m talking not about an alternative peace track, but about a complementary one,” he added.

The visit comes as Ukraine coordinates with NATO and EU partners on further defense support and diplomatic efforts to end the war.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ministers will later this month discuss the bloc’s approach to potential future talks with Russia.