Zelensky eyes 2025 for peace as Germany boosts aid
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has once again stated that he "would like to end the war no later than 2025". He reiterated this during a meeting with the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, who announced further aid packages for Kyiv.
President Zelensky's European tour continues. Previously, the Ukrainian leader visited Croatia, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the Vatican. On Friday afternoon, he landed in Berlin, where he met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Zelensky: I would like the war to end no later than 2025
Zelensky presented a peace plan to Scholz. "We would like to end the war no later than next year, in 2025, and guarantee that the aggression will not repeat," Zelensky said. "This plan is a bridge to holding an effective peace summit that will indeed put an end to the war. That is, this plan is not to replace our peace initiative, but to strengthen Ukraine's position for the sake of getting closer to peace," he added at the conference.
Scholz responded that Ukraine can count on Germany. "It is a clear message to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin – playing for time will not work. We will not let up in our support for Ukraine," he declared.
Another aid package for Ukraine
Scholz also announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth £500 million. He declared that by the end of the year, Germany will also provide £1.15 billion, including military support.
This will include air defence equipment, guided howitzers, self-propelled guns, armoured vehicles, combat drones, radars, and ammunition.
Zelensky first mentioned the possibility of ending the war in Croatia. "The situation on the battlefield creates an opportunity to make this choice – choice for decisive action to end the war no later than in 2025," he said on Wednesday in Dubrovnik, where he, together with the Prime Minister of Croatia, inaugurated the South-East European and Ukraine Summit.
