Ukraine is looking towards 2025 as a potential year of peace, as President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the European Parliament on the 1,000th day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In a video call to lawmakers in Strasbourg, France, Zelensky expressed the hope for peace in the coming year, emphasizing that the Ukrainian people have shown remarkable resilience throughout the conflict.
Zelensky praised the Ukrainian population for enduring 1,000 days of war without breaking, surrendering, or losing their statehood. He described their perseverance as a testament to the strength of millions and deserving of gratitude. The President urged European lawmakers to recognize the potential for achieving peace and stability in the region.
As the US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, concerns have been raised about the future of US support for Ukraine. Trump has expressed a desire to end the war swiftly but has not outlined specific plans to do so. European nations have been wary of potential shifts in US policy towards Ukraine under a new administration.
Zelensky highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Russian President Putin's focus on winning the war and raised concerns about the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, suggesting that their numbers could increase significantly. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to bring about a just and fair resolution to the conflict.
Amidst the storm of conflict, Zelensky called for collective action to end the war and restore peace to Ukraine. The President's address to the European Parliament underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges facing Ukraine and the broader region.