Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated his ambition to conclude the ongoing war with Russia within the year during a summit marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The summit convened in Kyiv included prominent figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Zelensky emphasized the necessity for security guarantees, advocating for Ukraine's rapid accession to the European Union and NATO to bolster its defenses against Russia.

In recent discussions, Zelensky suggested that a peace agreement could initiate with a comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war.

Since the conflict began, there have been 60 exchanges, but estimates suggest thousands of Ukrainian detainees remain in Russia.

Zelensky referred to this exchange as a critical step toward peace, characterizing it as a fair solution based on the principles of justice.

The summit included participation from leaders across Europe, Canada, and Scandinavian nations, while key representatives from the US, UK, Germany, and Japan contributed via video link.

Notably, the absence of US representation raised concerns among European leaders, particularly in light of diverging strategies regarding the future of Ukraine.

Trudeau remarked on the necessity of reaffirming the principle that might does not equate to right in global politics.

President Donald Trump, who has recently advocated for a potential peace initiative that might see European troops deployed as peacekeepers in Ukraine, has described Zelensky unfavorably, labeling him a 'dictator.' Trump's administration abstained from supporting a UN resolution condemning Russian aggression, seeking instead to modify the text to reflect a more balanced view regarding the conflict.

The varying positions of Western leaders on the conflict were highlighted during discussions, with French President Emmanuel Macron asserting the need for Europe to take a more central role in ensuring the long-term security of Ukraine.

He described the situation as existential for European nations and stressed that any peace process must be predicated on the sovereignty of Ukraine, allowing for adequate negotiations involving all affected parties.

As diplomatic efforts unfold, the ongoing conflict has resulted in significant human and material loss in Ukraine, raising continued calls for a unified Western response to support Ukraine while also addressing the geopolitical implications of Russia's actions in the region.