Ukraine eyes peace by 2025 with European support boost
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday in Dubrovnik that the situation on the front presents an opportunity to implement a plan that could end the war in Ukraine by the end of 2025. He inaugurated the Summit of Southeastern European Countries and Ukraine alongside the Croatian Prime Minister.
With decisive actions, the war could conclude before the end of 2025. The President of Ukraine proclaimed, "Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the USA consistently strive to ensure Europe's security; together, we can achieve all that we aspire to."
The Kremlin aims to destabilize Europe
Zelensky emphasized that the war in Ukraine threatens the stability of Eastern Europe, and all Russian threats are real.
The Kremlin aims to destabilise Europe, both in the Balkans and the Baltic region, by interfering in other countries' affairs. Therefore, we must strengthen our defence capabilities and enter into bilateral security agreements, of which we already have 26 as Ukraine, Zelensky noted.
Before the summit began, the Presidents of Croatia and Ukraine signed an agreement on long-term cooperation and support between their countries, formalizing existing collaboration in humanitarian aid and demining and prosecuting those responsible for war crimes.
Integration with the European Union
The President of Ukraine also discussed Kyiv's efforts and those of other countries participating in the summit in Dubrovnik concerning European Union membership.
The European Union must unite the whole continent, all of Europe's democratic nations including your countries. If Europe is not united today it won't be peaceful, so that integration processes that have begun must reach their result, Zelensky emphasised.
In his opening speech, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the host of the summit, recalled the support his country has given to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
Croatia has stood by Ukraine since 1991, and Ukraine was one of the first to recognize our independence. The multifaceted assistance includes $324 million in humanitarian, energy, and military support. Croatia has provided Ukraine with expertise regarding post-war issues such as demining and veteran care, additionally welcoming about 30,000 Ukrainian refugees and veterans to Croatian hospitals, Plenković listed.
Final declaration
After the discussions, summit participants are expected to sign a declaration. The main points will involve condemning Russian aggression, supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity, including confirming Crimea's status as part of Ukraine, endorsing Zelensky's peace plan, prosecuting war criminals, and supporting Kyiv on its path to the EU and NATO.
