Gradually, the Russian army and the Donbass independence militias are advancing in two Republican countries. Russian independence militias claim to have taken control of the city of Lyman. According to information from Russia Today, the troops of Donetsk and Luhansk have control over more than 200 municipalities in Donbass.

As for the conquest of the city of Lyman, one of Zelenski’s top consultants, Oleksey Arestovych, states that taking control of this city reflects Russia’s growing level of tactical force.

The Western authorities are also beginning to recognise that Russia is moving forward. Boris Johnson, for example, has stated that Russia is making "remarkable progress".

In this situation, Zelenski pointed out that Ukraine must "face reality" and talk to Putin.