Ukraine Hopes To ‘Finish War This Year’, Not In Another Three, Zelensky Says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he hopes that war against Russia would end this year, not in three”, on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion

According to him, Ukraine needs security guarantees to prevent Moscow returning, suggesting EU and Nato membership “will help the country although Russia has consistently opposed the idea of Ukraine joining Nato

Zelensky was speaking at a summit of European leaders, plus Canada’s Justin Trudeau, who are in Kyiv to show their support

Earlier, Zelensky said a peace deal with Russia could start with a “full” exchange of prisoners of war

READ ALSO: President Trump Expresses Readiness To Meet Putin Over Ukraine Peace Talks

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said Russia doesn’t “hold all the cards” – a reference to earlier comments from US President Donald Trump

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is asked for timeline for when exactly Ukraine might be allowed to join the EU.

She says the process to join is “merits based”, and joining must be beneficial for both the applicant country and the EU.

She explains that the EU is reluctant to give a firm date on when Ukraine might join, as it might mean other applicant countries ask for one too.