Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s war with Russia is ‘closer to end’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism that the war with Russia is “closer to an end” than many might believe, while urging allies to strengthen Ukraine’s military.
“The plan for victory is the strengthening of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said during an interview with Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts. “That’s why we’re asking our friends, our allies, to support us. It’s very important.”
In the interview, Zelenskyy stated, “I think we are closer to peace than we realize. We are closer to the end of the war. We just have to stay very strong.”
Zelenskyy spoke with Roberts during his visit to New York on Monday for the United Nations General Assembly. His trip to the U.S. includes presenting his “Victory Plan” to President Joe Biden and other key American political leaders.
Zelenskyy has consistently urged the United States and United Kingdom to lift restrictions on the long-range missiles they have provided to Ukraine, enabling strikes on targets deep inside Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, has warned that any use of Western weapons to hit Russian territory would be seen as a serious escalation and a direct challenge by NATO countries.
Zelenskyy’s request comes amid intense fighting in eastern Ukraine and weeks into Ukraine’s offensive in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukraine claimed to have seized hundreds of square miles and several villages in the early stages of this surprise operation.
Speaking to Roberts, Zelenskyy said Putin is “afraid” of Ukraine’s operations in Kursk. “It’s true. He’s very afraid,” Zelenskyy remarked. “Why? Because his people are seeing that he cannot defend all his territory.”
Credit: ABC News
