Unity and Peace Summit format can end war’s “hot stage” by the end of 2024 – Zelensky

The hot phase of the war could likely end this year, thanks to the united efforts of the allies and Ukraine's preparations for the upcoming peace summit.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed this opinion in an interview with the BBC.

"I believe that if we are united and follow, for example, the format of the peace summit, we can end the hot stage of the war. We can try to do it by the end of this year. The plan will be ready. If it leads to the end of the hot stage of the war, it will be very right and very powerful," he said.

At the same time, Zelensky emphasized that this plan should be shared with partners, although "it also depends on their desire that no one plays with their initiatives to end the war." According to him, the partners should put pressure on Russia "so that the Russian Federation agrees to sit down and think about the end of the war."

"This does not mean that all territories should be recaptured by force. I believe that the power of diplomacy can help. If we put pressure on Russia, I believe that it is possible to agree on a diplomatic settlement," he said.

Zelensky added that a weaker Russia on the battlefield would strengthen Ukraine's position at the negotiating table.

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As Rubryka previously reported, Zelensky gave an interview to the BBC. He spoke particularly about Trump, the war, and negotiations with the Russian Federation.