ARCHIVE - Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, gestures during an interview. Zelensky considers an end to the war in 2025 possible. Photo: Efrem Lukatsky/AP/dpa/Archive
Keystone
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, an end to the war in Ukraine before the end of this year would be entirely possible "under certain conditions". These include security guarantees for Ukraine and stronger sanctions against Russia, Selensky explained in an interview with the British broadcaster ITV News, excerpts of which were published by Ukrainian media. "We have actually wished every year that our Western partners would find the strength to force (Kremlin boss Vladimir) Putin to end the war."
Keystone-SDA
09.02.2025, 18:59
SDA
An end to the war is possible, especially with the help of US President Donald Trump. "In my opinion, Trump wants a quick end to the war," said Selenskyj. "But quick or not, we don't know how it will end, but we do know that we have to be strong." Although Trump is powerful, the USA must act decisively in alliance with the Europeans.
Zelensky believes that the West's sanctions against Russia have dealt a tangible blow to the country's economy. Nevertheless, Moscow had found a way to adapt to the sanctions "because there are always loopholes". As an example, he cited Moscow's shadow fleet, which is used to circumvent the ban on oil exports. He called for even tougher sanctions against Moscow, then Russia could collapse. "Everyone sees it, everyone understands it, but not everyone does it."
A just peace is important for Ukraine, said Selenskyj, but now it is about ending the hot phase of the war. In addition, the Ukrainian army needs more support from its Western partners to ensure "that Ukraine is not left alone tomorrow".