Zelensky's optimism: End of the war in Ukraine by the end of the year

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has expressed his optimism in believing that it is possible to end the hot phase of the war in his country by the end of this year. In an interview with the BBC during his visit to the United Kingdom, Zelensky stated that international unity and following the roadmap outlined at the Peace Summit in Switzerland are crucial to achieving this goal. The Ukrainian president emphasized his intention to develop a plan to end the fighting, which will require the support of Western partners to pressure Russia to come to the negotiating table and consider ending the war. Zelensky also mentioned the possibility of a second summit, scheduled for the end of the year, where a definitive peace plan is expected to be presented. In this regard, a series of meetings and encounters have been scheduled to address different aspects of security and diplomacy related to the conflict in Ukraine. These meetings are expected to address issues such as energy security, free maritime navigation, food security, and the exchange of prisoners, among others. Zelensky underscored that resolving the conflict does not necessarily mean reclaiming all territories controlled by pro-Russian separatists, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in this process. However, the Ukrainian president made it clear that he is not willing to cede territory in order to preserve lives, as he believes that losing territory would equate to losing the country. Regarding statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed he could resolve the conflict in Ukraine in just 24 hours, Zelensky expressed skepticism and questioned what the cost of such a solution would be. The Ukrainian president emphasized that a quick resolution without consequences for the aggressors would only benefit Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, to the detriment of Ukraine and its sovereignty. In this sense, Zelensky reiterated his firm stance on defending Ukraine's territorial integrity and the need to avoid solutions that involve freezing the conflict or allowing Russia to maintain the territories it has occupied. The Ukrainian president warned about Putin's expansionist intentions and the importance of maintaining international pressure to achieve a lasting and just peace in the region. In conclusion, Zelensky's stance reflects Ukraine's determination to seek a negotiated solution to the conflict in the eastern part of the country, with the support of the international community and a firm defense of its sovereignty. The path to peace in Ukraine remains a complex challenge, but the commitment and political will of the parties involved are crucial to achieving a sustainable solution that respects the interests and security of all involved.