Decisive measures taken by the United States at this juncture could accelerate the conclusion of the Russian conflict in Ukraine next year, stated President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday. He conveyed to ABC News that Ukraine is “closer to the end of the war.”

“As we approach the year’s end, we have a significant opportunity to enhance collaboration between Ukraine and the United States,” Zelenskiy remarked in a post on his Telegram messaging app following a meeting with a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation.

“Taking decisive action now could expedite the rightful conclusion of Russian aggression against Ukraine in the coming year.”

Zelenskiy is currently in the United States for the U.N. General Assembly and will later head to Washington to present his “victory plan,” aiming to shape White House policy regarding the war, irrespective of the outcome of the U.S. elections on November 5.

On Monday, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who asserts he could resolve the conflict within days if elected, made unsubstantiated claims that Zelenskiy preferred a Democratic victory in November.

The presidential office in Kyiv has not yet provided a response to a request for comment; however, Zelenskiy has expressed his readiness to collaborate with any individual in the White House. In an interview with ABC News, he emphasized the importance of ongoing support from Washington and other allies for Ukraine.

The United States and its partners have implemented a multi-billion dollar aid initiative for Ukraine and have enacted multiple rounds of sanctions against Moscow. “I believe we are nearer to peace than we realize,” he stated. “We are closer to concluding the war.”

The comprehensive invasion of Ukraine by Russia, referred to as a “special military operation” by Moscow, commenced in February 2022. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands, displaced millions, and reduced numerous Ukrainian towns and cities to ruins.

In an interview with ABC, the Ukrainian president emphasized that Ukraine can only compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop the war” from a position of strength. While Zelenskiy has been largely reticent about his “victory plan,” he has indicated that it will serve as a “bridge” to a second peace summit led by Ukraine, which Kyiv aims to host and extend an invitation to Russia later this year.

Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to the Ukrainian president, stated in New York on Monday that the plan includes expedited NATO membership for Ukraine, a move that Moscow has firmly opposed. Putin has asserted that peace negotiations can only commence if Kyiv relinquishes significant portions of eastern and southern Ukraine to Russia and abandons its aspirations for NATO membership. Zelenskiy has consistently called for the withdrawal of all Russian forces and the restoration of Ukraine’s post-Soviet borders.

Currently, Russia occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory and has been making advances in the east, capturing a series of settlements in its effort to control the entire Donbas region. In a strategic counteroffensive, Ukrainian forces launched an attack into Russia’s western Kursk region on August 6 and continue to hold several villages on Russian territory.

Zelenskiy remarked to ABC News that the Kursk operation revealed vulnerabilities in Putin’s stance, despite the ongoing Russian military advances in Donbas. “He is very afraid,” he stated. “Why? Because his people have seen that he cannot defend – that he cannot protect all his territory.”

Ukraine and its Western allies contend that Russia is conducting an imperial-style war, while Putin characterizes the invasion of Ukraine as a defensive action against a hostile and aggressive West.