Zelensky Aims to Wrap Up Ukraine Conflict by Year-End Amid Ongoing Support from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism that an end to the war with Russia could be achieved by the end of this year, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During a summit attended by European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Zelensky stated, "We hope that we can finish this war this year," describing the struggle as "very difficult" for the Ukrainian nation.Zelensky underscored the importance of obtaining security guarantees to prevent any future aggression from Russia, indicating that EU and NATO membership would significantly aid Ukraine's defense. He has previously conveyed a willingness to resign as president if it facilitated NATO's acceptance of Ukraine, a proposition that Russia has rejected as part of any peace negotiations.In addressing queries regarding U.S.-Ukraine relations, Zelensky refrained from commenting directly on former President Donald Trump, who has criticized his leadership and called him a "dictator." Despite Trump's demands for quick peace negotiations that would require Ukraine to concede territory, Zelensky remains hopeful for continued American support, aligning it with backing from other allies.Zelensky highlighted a complete prisoner of war exchange with Russia as a potential starting point toward peace. Since the war's onset, there have been 60 exchanges, with thousands of Ukrainians still detained in Russia, including individuals from the early days of the conflict.The summit featured prominent European officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, alongside leaders from Canada, Denmark, and other nations. Von der Leyen indicated that if Ukraine maintains its reform momentum, EU membership could be possible before 2030.Discussions at the summit were particularly timely as French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to meet with Trump, where the ongoing conflict in Ukraine would take center stage. With the war's devastating impact leading to tens of thousands of deaths and significant destruction across Ukraine, the stakes remain high for all parties involved.