“We Believe the War Will End This Year” – Ukrainian FM Sybiha

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed confidence that Russia’s full-scale invasion could end within this year. He shared this statement during an interview with Firstpost released on March 18.

“We believe the war will end this year — we really want the war to end this year. All of us are united by this strategic goal to achieve just, comprehensive, and long-lasting peace,” Sybiha stated.

“Ukraine supports the US proposal for a ceasefire — temporary ceasefire. We are expecting the Russian response to accept the unconditional ceasefire. It will be a huge step forward to make this peace closer.”

On March 17, Sybiha stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that Russia has yet to officially respond to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, and when it does, the response must come without additional conditions.

On March 18, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the situation, that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is allegedly insisting Ukraine’s arms deliveries be halted as a key condition for peace talks.

US President Donald Trump and Putin are expected to have a phone call on March 18, where they’d discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and the status of occupied territories, as well as the future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.