Zelenskyy: "We Are Closer to the End of the War" Than Many Believe

In a recent interview with Good Morning America, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s victory hinges on strengthening the country’s defenses, ABC News reported on September 24.

"That’s why we’re asking our friends, our allies, to strengthen us. It’s very important," Zelenskyy stated.

"I think that we are closer to the peace than we think," he continued. "We are closer to the end of the war. We just have to be very strong, very strong."

A key component of Zelenskyy’s strategy involves securing permission to use Western weapons on Russian territory. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly called on the United States and the United Kingdom to lift restrictions on the use of long-range missiles supplied to Ukraine, advocating for their deployment in strikes deep inside Russia.

In response, Vladimir Putin has warned that any such use of Western arms against Russian targets would be seen as a major escalation and a direct confrontation with NATO.

Zelenskyy, however, countered by asserting that Putin is fearful of Ukraine’s offensive in Russia’s Kursk region. "It’s true. He’s very afraid," Zelenskyy said, adding that Putin’s fear stems from his inability to defend all of Russia’s territory.

The Ukrainian President reiterated that only a strong Ukraine can compel Putin to bring the war to an end.

Currently, Zelenskyy is in Washington, DC, where he is expected to meet with US President Joe Biden, as well as presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.