Zelensky sees ‘window of opportunity’ to end war by 2027

Volodymyr Zelensky said there is a “window of opportunity” to end Russia’s war against Ukraine by 2027.

He said this on Wednesday, November 11, in Dublin at a joint press conference with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

At the same time, Zelensky noted that he remains “skeptical.” According to him, progress largely depends on how Washington builds relations with Moscow: US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are preparing for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Today there really is such an opportunity, this is a window of opportunity, when all participants currently involved in the negotiation process sincerely want to achieve a result before 2027,” Zelensky said.

He, however, tempered the optimism:

“We know who we are dealing with, and that the Russian side will not look favorably on everything. But is progress possible? Yes.”

According to Bloomberg, Zelensky linked this window to political changes in the US and other countries.

## Envoys heading to Moscow

These statements came after two days of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi mediated by the US. According to Zelensky, the talks discussed an energy truce, a ceasefire at sea, security guarantees, and preparations for a possible meeting of the leaders of the US, Russia, and Ukraine. He said the Russian delegation did not have the authority to respond to ceasefire proposals. Zelensky also spoke about an exchange of 1,000–1,200 prisoners of war and added that he sees no reason why Russia would refuse it.

Kushner said that he and Witkoff will meet with Putin in Moscow on Thursday, “because we see certain opportunities,” and then will fly to Dublin to brief Zelensky. Zelensky said that Washington has repeatedly raised the issue of withdrawing Ukrainian troops from Donbas. According to him, this is impossible, and territorial issues should be resolved at negotiations between leaders. He also called on partners to limit arms production in Russia, calling it “one of the best ways to push Russia toward peace.”

## Pressure on Europe

Zelensky called on European allies to finally decide who will represent them at the negotiations. At a briefing on November 10, he said the choice should be made no later than the end of November, and ideally at a meeting in Germany on November 19. According to him, Europe could be represented by one person or a group — the main thing is that it is coordinated with Kyiv.

“We want Europe to be an equal participant in the negotiations next time, not just present at the venue where they are held,” he said.

Martin said any agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also said that Ireland is considering signing a memorandum with Kyiv on drone production.

This is Zelensky’s third visit to Ireland in 12 months. This week in Dublin, as part of the Irish presidency of the EU, about 50 European leaders are gathering: the summit of the European Political Community will take place on Thursday, and an informal meeting of EU leaders on Friday.