Ukraine targets end to war by 2025 amidst European unity push
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday in Dubrovnik that the situation at the front presents an opportunity to implement a plan that could conclude the war in Ukraine by the end of 2025. Alongside the Prime Minister of Croatia, he inaugurated the Summit of Southeastern European Countries and Ukraine.
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The war can end before the end of 2025 through decisive actions. Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the USA consistently work to ensure Europe's security. Together, we can achieve all that we aspire to—proclaimed the President of Ukraine.
The Kremlin aims to destabilize Europe
Zelensky stressed that the war in Ukraine threatens the stability of Eastern Europe, and all Russian threats are genuine.
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 efforts 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, along with those of other countries participating in the summit in Dubrovnik, regarding 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 remarks, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the host of the summit, recalled the support his country has extended to Ukraine as it fights 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 £265 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 address condemning Russian aggression, supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity, including confirming Crimea's belonging to Ukraine, backing Zelensky's peace plan, prosecuting war criminals, and supporting Kyiv on its path to the EU and NATO.
