Zelenskyy says Ukraine 'closer to peace than ever' as diplomatic talks advance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday expressed optimism about ongoing peace negotiations, stating that Ukraine was closer to peace than ever before.

Speaking to the Irish Parliament, Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of seizing current diplomatic opportunities.

“We are intensifying our efforts and our delegation looks forward to further talks. Now we are closer to peace than ever; there are opportunities. But we must use these opportunities,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting Ukraine’s engagement with the US peace plan.

He further noted the role of powerful nations in both starting and ending conflicts, remarking, “a strong country can start a war, but another strong country can also ensure that the war ends”.

Zelenskyy also urged parliamentarians to remind the international community of the origins of the conflict, describing Russia’s invasion as a “criminal and unprovoked act of aggression” and warning against the dangers of collective amnesia.

The remarks underline Ukraine’s readiness for continued diplomatic efforts and signal a cautiously hopeful outlook for the future of peace talks.