Investing.com -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed optimism on Friday about the prospects of ending the ongoing war with Russia. This comes after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day interim ceasefire proposed by the U.S. However, Moscow has stated it will only consent to the ceasefire if specific conditions are met.

Zelenskiy conveyed his hope for a swift conclusion to the conflict and a secure peace agreement, citing robust security understandings with European partners. "We are now close to the first step in ending any war – silence," he said, alluding to the proposed truce.

Zelenskiy called on the U.S. and other allies to exert pressure on Moscow, maintaining his stance that Russian President Vladimir Putin might prolong the process of reaching a ceasefire. "If there is a strong response from the United States, they will not let them play around," Zelenskiy told reporters.

He suggested that the ceasefire along the more than 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) frontline could be monitored with assistance from U.S. satellites and intelligence. This follows the resumption of intelligence sharing and military aid from Washington after U.S. and Ukrainian officials convened in Saudi Arabia earlier this week and Ukraine agreed to the ceasefire.

At the same meeting, Zelenskiy said that territory issues were discussed, acknowledging that resolving this would require difficult dialog. "The issue of territories is the most difficult after the ceasefire," he stated during a media briefing.

The ongoing war, now in its fourth year, has seen Russian forces gain control of nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory, with recent advancements in the eastern Donetsk region.

Zelenskiy emphasized that resolving territorial disputes would be crucial to ending the war. "The ceasefire unblocks the way for the sides to end the war. And the territories ... will be the point that makes it possible to end the war after this issue is resolved," he said.

Russia has insisted that Ukraine permanently relinquish territory claimed by Russia, including Crimea and four other regions, a demand Ukraine has refused.

In ongoing discussions with Kyiv’s allies, Zelenskiy is seeking future security guarantees and economic support. He also noted that complete air defense coverage would be necessary as a deterrent in any peace agreement.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.