Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence to that the conflict with Russia is ‘closer to an end’ that many believe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told ABC News that the war is closer to an end that many believe.
“I think that we are closer to peace than we think”, he said. He also mentioned the need for Ukraine to push for a resolution from a strong position, urging Western allies to strengthen the Ukrainian military.
Zelensky is visiting the U.S. this week to address the United Nations General Assembly and unveil his so-called "victory plan" to Western allies, including President Joe Biden. The plan includes more weapons support, diplomatic steps to pressure Russia into making peace, and holding Moscow responsible for its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly urged the U.S. and U.K. to lift restrictions on the long-range missiles they have provided, allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that using Western weapons to hit Russian targets would be viewed as a significant escalation and a direct confrontation with NATO.
Zelenskyy's request comes amid intense fighting in eastern Ukraine, along with Ukraine's recent incursion into Russia's Kursk region. Ukraine claims to have captured hundreds of square miles and numerous villages in the region. He says Putin is "afraid" of operation in Kursk and stressed that only by holding a "strong position" can Ukraine "force Putin to end the war."
Zelensky was accompanied by his wife, first lady Olena Zelenska, during the interview. Later this week, he is set to travel to Washington to meet with President Biden, along with presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Read next
19:30
Energy Tensions
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
17:26
A missile attack in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has resulted in casualties, adding to growing concerns over the intensifying conflict.
15:40
Talks progress
The Kremlin said Friday that some progress has been made in peace talks over Ukraine, but described communication with the U.S. as complicated. Moscow cited a pause in energy strikes, though it claims Ukraine hasn’t fully observed the agreement.
14:15
Drone attack
A drone strike hit a bakery in Ukraine's Sumy city early Friday, killing one person. The bakery was preparing traditional Easter cakes as Christian communities marked Good Friday. Officials condemned the attack as targeting civilians and culture.
10:02
Ukraine said on Thursday that Kyiv and Washington had signed a memorandum as an initial step towards clinching an agreement on developing mineral resources in Ukraine, a deal promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment