Zelensky: Ukraine Nearer to End of War Than Many Realise
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine is "closer to the end of the war" with Russia than many might expect. Speaking during his visit to Washington, D.C., for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Zelensky emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "afraid" of Ukraine's successful Kursk operation, where Ukraine has reclaimed over 1,000 square kilometers of Russian-occupied territory.
"I believe we are closer to peace than most people think," Zelensky told ABC in an interview set to air in full on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Putin has insisted that any peace talks would require Kyiv to cede large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine to Russia and abandon its aspirations for NATO membership.
The remarks came as Russia reportedly experienced a "catastrophic failure" in the test of its Sarmat missile, also known as the Satan II. This missile, central to Russia's modern nuclear arsenal, is intended to deliver nuclear warheads to distant targets in the U.S. and Europe. However, its development has faced numerous delays and testing issues, according to arms experts.
The RS-28 Sarmat missile, measuring 35 meters in length with a range of 18,000 km (11,000 miles) and a launch weight exceeding 208 tonnes, has been a key component of Russia’s strategic military modernization plan.