Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he believes the war with Russia is “close to an end” than many believe and called on allies to strengthen Ukraine’s army.
“The plan of victory is strengthening of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said during a sit-down interview with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts. “That’s why we’re asking our friends, our allies, to strengthen us. It’s very important.”
Tune in to “Good Morning America” on Tuesday at 7 a.m. ET to see more of the interview.
“I think that we are closer to the peace than we think,” he continued. “We are closer to the end of the war.”
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska speak with Robin Roberts of ABC News in New York City, Sept. 23, 2024.
ABC News
Zelensky spoke with Roberts as he visited New York Monday for the United Nations General Assembly this week as part of a trip to the U.S. where he has promised to present what he calls his “Victory Plan” to President Joe Biden as well as other key American political leaders.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to the United States and United Kingdom to drop their restrictions on the long-range missiles they have provided to Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, has warned that the use of Western weapons to strike Russian targets would be seen as a serious escalation in the war and a direct challenge by NATO nations.
Zelenskyy’s request comes amid heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine, as well as weeks into Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Ukraine said it seized hundreds of square miles and dozens of villages inside the Kursk region in the early days of its surprise offensive.
Zelenskyy told Roberts that Putin is “afraid” of the Kursk operation.
“It’s true. He’s afraid very much,” he said. “Why? Because his people saw that he can’t defend — that he can’t defend all his territory.”
The Ukrainian leader said that only from a “strong position” can Ukraine “push Putin to stop the war.”
Zelenskyy was joined by his wife, first lady Olena Zelenska, for the interview. Later this week, Zenlenskyy is expected to travel to Washington to meet with Biden as well as presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently expressed optimism about the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia coming to an end soon. In a recent address, Zelenskyy called for increased support from the international community to help bring about a resolution to the conflict.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and has displaced millions of people.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Zelenskyy remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached. In his address, he emphasized the need for increased support from the international community, including increased military assistance and economic sanctions against Russia.
Zelenskyy’s optimism comes as Ukraine continues to face ongoing aggression from Russia. In recent months, there has been an increase in ceasefire violations and reports of Russian troops massing near the Ukrainian border.
The Ukrainian president’s call for increased support has been met with mixed reactions from the international community. While some countries have expressed support for Ukraine and have pledged to increase their assistance, others have been more hesitant to get involved in the conflict.
Despite the challenges that Ukraine faces in its conflict with Russia, Zelenskyy remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution. He has called for renewed diplomatic efforts and has emphasized the need for a united front against Russian aggression.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, it is clear that increased support from the international community will be crucial in helping to bring about a resolution. With President Zelenskyy’s optimism and determination, there is hope that an end to the war may be in sight.
