Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism that the ongoing conflict with Russia could end sooner than expected.
In an interview with ABC News, Zelensky stated, “I think that we are closer to peace than we think.”
However, he emphasised that Ukraine needs to be in a “strong position” to push Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict
Zelensky is currently in the US to present his “victory plan” to Western allies, including President Joe Biden, and US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
The plan includes further weapons donations, diplomatic efforts to force Russia to agree to peace, and holding Moscow accountable for its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has responded cautiously, stating that Russia’s aims must be achieved for the conflict to end.
Meanwhile, Czech President Petr Pavel has suggested that Ukraine should be “realistic” about recovering occupied territories, predicting a likely outcome of partial occupation for years to come.
As Zelensky meets with US leaders, Ukraine faces continued attacks from Russia, with recent strikes in Kharkiv, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian military expert Kostyantyn Mashovets has warned of potential losses in the eastern region of Donbas ¹.
Zelensky’s visit comes at a critical time, with the US presidential election looming. President Biden has not yet decided on easing restrictions on long-range missiles for Ukraine, with Zelensky emphasizing the need for US leadership in this decision ¹.