Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that decisive actions from the United States could dramatically expedite the conclusion of the Russian war against Ukraine by next year. This statement comes as he asserts in a recent ABC News interview that Ukraine is “closer to the end of the war.”

During a meeting with a bipartisan delegation from Congress, Zelensky emphasized the importance of strengthened cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S., stating, “Decisive action now could hasten the just end of Russian aggression against Ukraine next year.” His visit coincides with the UN General Assembly, where he is positioned to advocate for increased support for Ukraine.

As the political landscape shifts with the upcoming U.S. elections, Zelensky plans to unveil his “victory plan” in Washington, aiming to influence U.S. foreign policy regardless of the electoral outcome on November 5. Notably, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has announced intentions to end the war almost immediately if elected, but has controversially claimed that Zelensky favors a Democratic win—an assertion lacking substantiated evidence.

While the presidential office in Kyiv has not issued an immediate response to these claims, Zelensky has reiterated his willingness to collaborate with any U.S. president. He urged that ongoing support from Washington is vital for Ukraine’s defense efforts.

In the face of Russia's full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022 and has led to devastating casualties and the displacement of millions, Zelensky remains resolute. “We are closer to peace than we think,” he affirmed, highlighting the dire humanitarian toll that the conflict has wrought and the extensive destruction across Ukrainian cities.

Zelensky asserted that Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt hostilities. An integral part of Zelensky's “victory plan” involves accelerating Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations, an initiative vehemently opposed by Moscow. Putin's proposed conditions for peace talks include Ukraine's surrender of key territories and the renunciation of NATO aspirations—demands Zelensky has categorically rejected.

Currently, Russia occupies approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory and has intensified its campaign in the eastern Donbas region. However, Ukraine is working to reclaim the initiative, evidenced by a notable operation into Russia’s Kursk region, which underscores vulnerabilities within Putin’s military strategy. Zelensky remarked that Putin's fear is palpable, as demonstrated by the ongoing challenges the Russian military faces in maintaining control over its territories.

The war in Ukraine has drawn widespread condemnation from the West, which characterizes Russia's invasion as an imperialistic endeavor. As the conflict continues, the need for a resolute response from the U.S. and its allies becomes increasingly urgent, as Zelensky calls for heightened global cooperation to support Ukraine and ultimately end the war.