Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope on Friday that the war with Russia will conclude by next year, as he visited Berlin seeking continued military support. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelensky emphasized the importance of sustained assistance, noting that Ukraine “more than anyone” desires a swift and fair resolution to the conflict.
During his visit, Zelensky presented Scholz with his plan for winning the war and expressed optimism that it could end “no later than next year, 2025.” Scholz assured that Germany, alongside its EU partners, would continue providing military aid, including €4 billion in 2025, while rejecting any peace dictated by Russia.
The Ukrainian president’s European tour, which included stops in London, Paris, and Rome, comes amid concerns over possible diminishing support from Western allies, especially as the U.S. approaches its presidential election.
Earlier, Zelensky met Pope Francis at the Vatican, discussing the plight of Ukrainians deported to Russia and the broader humanitarian crisis caused by the war. This followed his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, where Zelensky firmly denied rumors of ceasefire talks with Russia, reiterating that Ukraine will not consider any plan that involves ceding territory to Moscow.
Amid escalating tensions, Zelensky has called for more long-range weapons, including British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, to target Russian forces. However, the German government, while supportive of Ukraine, has so far refused to provide long-range Taurus missile systems due to fears of escalating NATO-Russia tensions.
As Ukraine faces its third winter at war, Russian forces continue to make advances along the eastern frontline, and recent strikes on the southern region of Odesa left four dead, including a teenage girl.
