The End of War Is 'Closer Than We Think', Says Zelensky

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.

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