Zelensky Aims to Conclude War Against Russia by Year’s End

In a recent summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared his aspirations to conclude the war with Russia within the year while asserting necessary security measures to deter future aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a gathering of European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, marking three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the summit, he expressed his hope that "we can finish this war this year," although he acknowledged the immense difficulties faced by the nation.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine requires robust security guarantees to prevent any future aggression from Russia, underscoring that membership in the EU and NATO would significantly bolster these protections. Russia has persistently opposed Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO, complicating the path towards potential peace.

During the conference, he indicated that a comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war could serve as the foundation for a possible peace agreement with Russia. Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Zelensky stated, "This is the fair and just option," noting that there are thousands of Ukrainian detainees in Russia, with estimates exceeding 8,000. Since the inception of the war, there have been around 60 exchanges of prisoners between the two nations.

The summit included other prominent leaders, such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who remarked that Ukraine could join the EU by 2030 if reform efforts continue at their current pace. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed an openness to deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine once the conflict concludes, emphasizing the broader implications for Europe's stability.

Zelensky faced questions regarding his relationship with the United States, especially in light of recent criticisms from former President Donald Trump, who labeled him a "dictator" and suggested he has mishandled Ukraine's governance. Despite the tensions, Zelensky remained optimistic, hoping for ongoing US support in the conflict.

As the ongoing war continues to take a devastating toll on both military and civilian lives, Zelensky's statements offer a glimpse of potential pathways toward resolution, though numerous challenges remain ahead.