By Redaccion
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In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism about the end of the war between Ukraine and Russia, suggesting that the conflict might conclude sooner than many anticipate.
Speaking to the U.S. broadcaster ABC News, Zelensky said, “I think that we are closer to peace than we think. We just have to be very strong, very strong.” His remarks come amid ongoing military engagements and rising tensions, yet his tone signaled a cautious hope for a peaceful resolution.
Zelensky’s comments were made ahead of his visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet President Joe Biden. During this meeting, Zelensky plans to present a new victory plan, a strategy that, according to him, does not focus on negotiations with Russia but rather on creating the conditions for a diplomatic resolution.
“It’s a bridge to a diplomatic way out, to stop the war,” Zelensky clarified, emphasizing that Ukraine must be in a strong position to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into ending the conflict.
Ukrainian Victory Plan
Zelensky’s victory plan is expected to center on strengthening the Ukrainian military with the support of international allies, particularly the United States. The Ukrainian president has long urged Western nations to provide advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles, which could allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory. Although these requests have been met with hesitation, Zelensky is expected to renew his call during his upcoming U.S. trip. He underscored the importance of U.S. leadership in this decision, stating, “Everybody’s looking up to [Biden], and we need this to defend ourselves.”
President Biden, however, has yet to make a final decision on whether to provide Ukraine with such long-range missile capabilities. Speaking on Sunday, Biden indicated that his administration is still weighing the potential risks and benefits of approving the missiles. This hesitancy reflects concerns over the potential for further escalation in the already volatile conflict.
Russian Response and the Kremlin’s Stance
Meanwhile, the Russian government has remained cautious in its response to media reports about Zelensky’s upcoming plan. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that Russia would not engage in speculative discussions regarding the Ukrainian proposal. Instead, Peskov reiterated that Russia’s goals in the conflict must be fully achieved before any resolution can be reached, signaling that Moscow is not yet ready to entertain diplomatic alternatives to military action.
As the war drags on, Russia continues to target Ukrainian cities and military positions with airstrikes. On Monday night, an attack on the eastern town of Poltava severely damaged local infrastructure, while in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, Russian airstrikes killed one person and wounded six others. The ongoing violence has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and entire regions ravaged by conflict.
Pressure from Ukraine’s Allies
Zelensky’s efforts to secure greater military aid come at a crucial time for Ukraine, as Russian forces have made significant advances in the eastern regions of the country, particularly in the Donbas area. Ukrainian military expert and retired colonel Kostyantyn Mashovets warned that Ukrainians must brace themselves for the potential loss of key cities in the Donbas, including Vuhledar, Selydove, and Toretsk. In a Facebook post, Mashovets wrote, “I would love to be wrong… but from the information I have, this is a very likely scenario of events in the near future.”
Despite these setbacks, Ukraine remains steadfast in its resistance, bolstered by Western support. However, some European leaders have suggested that Ukraine may need to adjust its expectations regarding the war’s outcome. Petr Pavel, the president of the Czech Republic, recently told The New York Times that Ukraine will have to be “realistic” about the prospects of fully recovering the territories seized by Russia over the course of the war. He further predicted that a portion of Ukrainian land would likely remain under Russian control for several years, indicating that a complete military victory for either side seems improbable.
“The defeat of either Ukraine or Russia will simply not happen,” Pavel stated, adding that the final resolution to the conflict will likely involve compromises from both sides.
Zelensky’s U.S. Visit and Diplomatic Efforts
As part of his U.S. visit, Zelensky is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly, where he will seek to rally international support for Ukraine’s cause. In addition to meeting with President Biden, Zelensky will also hold discussions with U.S. presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. These meetings are expected to focus on solidifying bipartisan backing for Ukraine as the country continues to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Zelensky’s trip comes at a critical juncture in the war, as both military and diplomatic efforts intensify. The future of the conflict remains uncertain, but Zelensky’s confidence in a quicker resolution than anticipated has injected a sense of cautious optimism into the global conversation surrounding Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. While the path to peace may still be fraught with challenges, the Ukrainian president’s firm stance on strengthening his country’s military capabilities suggests that Ukraine is determined to approach any future negotiations from a position of power.
With the war entering its 31st month, the international community will be closely watching Zelensky’s diplomatic maneuvers in the U.S., as well as any potential shifts in the Biden administration’s policy toward providing advanced weaponry to Ukraine. If Ukraine’s allies heed Zelensky’s call to fortify his nation’s defense capabilities, it could significantly alter the course of the war, bringing the long-awaited peace Zelensky speaks of closer to reality.
