Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism that the conflict with Russia may conclude sooner than many expect. During an interview with US broadcaster ABC News, Zelensky stated, “I believe that peace is closer than most people realise.” His comments have sparked fresh discussions on the trajectory of the war, which has been ongoing since February 2022.
Zelensky’s optimism stems from Ukraine’s determination to approach the conflict from a “strong position”. In his interview, the Ukrainian leader emphasised the importance of bolstering the nation’s military capabilities to push Russian President Vladimir Putin towards negotiations. He reiterated his call for Western allies to continue providing military aid, particularly advanced weaponry, to ensure Ukraine can maintain the upper hand in its defensive efforts.
The Ukrainian president’s remarks coincide with his ongoing trip to the United States, where he is engaging in high-level discussions at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Zelensky’s trip aims to present what he has labelled as a “victory plan” to his Western partners, including US President Joe Biden.
This “victory plan” is not about negotiating directly with Russia, according to Zelensky. Instead, it is a “bridge” to a diplomatic solution that could end the war. The plan, as described ahead of Zelensky’s US visit, outlines several critical components: securing additional weapons donations, increasing diplomatic pressure on Russia, and holding Moscow accountable for the devastation caused by its full-scale invasion. Zelensky has been clear that any peace talks must occur only when Ukraine is in a position of strength.
In his ABC News interview, Zelensky dismissed the idea that Ukraine could simply negotiate its way out of the conflict. He stated that the goal is to create the conditions for diplomacy but warned that this would only work if Ukraine’s military remained strong and capable of defending its territory.
In response to the Ukrainian president’s comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reacted cautiously. He stated that Russia remains sceptical about the possibility of a Ukrainian-led diplomatic resolution to the conflict. According to Peskov, the war will only end when Russia’s objectives in Ukraine have been fully met, though he refrained from specifying what these objectives were.
One of Zelensky’s most pressing concerns is Ukraine’s ability to use long-range missiles, a critical component in countering Russia’s military advances. Although US President Biden has not yet given a definitive answer on whether Ukraine will be allowed to use these weapons, Zelensky insists that the US must take the lead. “Everyone is looking up to Biden,” Zelensky remarked, highlighting the central role the US plays in Ukraine’s defence strategy.
The war has taken a heavy toll on Ukraine, with key regions in the east continuing to suffer sustained attacks from Russian forces. Despite several efforts to reclaim lost territory, Ukraine’s military struggles persist, particularly in areas like Kharkiv, Poltava, and the southern city of Zaporizhzhia.
In a particularly devastating incident on Tuesday, Russia launched a daytime attack on a high-rise apartment block in Kharkiv, killing three civilians and injuring 15 others. This attack, carried out with glide bombs, marks one of the most recent in a series of assaults on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.
Zelensky’s visit to the US comes at a crucial time, as Ukrainian forces attempt to repel Russian advances, especially in the eastern and southern parts of the country. Cities like Vuhledar remain under siege, with Russian troops gradually gaining ground.
International analysts remain divided on how the war will end. Czech President Petr Pavel recently suggested that Ukraine must be “realistic” about its ability to recover all lost territory, warning that certain areas may remain under Russian occupation for an extended period. Pavel’s comments reflect a broader consensus that neither side is likely to achieve an outright victory. Instead, the war may end through a negotiated settlement that leaves parts of eastern Ukraine in Russian hands.
As Zelensky continues to push for more support from his Western allies, the question remains whether Ukraine can maintain the momentum necessary to force Russia to the negotiating table. Nonetheless, Zelensky’s latest remarks hint at a potential shift in the conflict’s trajectory, with the possibility of peace coming into sharper focus.
