Ukraine's president vows to end war, invites Trump to Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed Saturday to end separatist conflict in east of his country, where fighting between Russia-backed rebels and Ukrainian troops has killed more than 14,000 people since 2014.

Speaking at Munich Security Conference, Zelenskiy said he hopes to end conflict by end of his presidential term in 2024.

“If in five years, we will end war, bring our people back, n I did (became president) for a reason,” he said.

conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted in April 2014, weeks after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and has devastated country's industrial heartland.

Thanking United States for supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, Zelenskiy expressed hope to “start afresh” Kyiv's relations with U.S. w that proceedings for President Donald Trump's impeachment are over.

Ukraine and Zelenskiy were at center of impeachment hearings. In a phone call in July that triggered a congressional inquiry, Trump pressured Zelenskiy to investigate involvement of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's son with Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.

In Munich, Zelenskiy said he wants to visit White House, and he invited Trump to Kyiv.

“We have a good relationship with U.S., and I'm grateful to Americans for ir support,” he said.

Zelenskiy, a 42-year-old comic actor with political experience, won Ukraine's presidential election in 2019 on promises to end fighting. He has expressed willingness to negotiate a peace agreement with Russia.

However, several contentious issues complicate peace process, including Ukraine regaining control of its border and allowing elections that would give rebel-controlled regions more automy.

Zelenskiy said Saturday in Munich he wants local elections held across Ukraine, including certain areas of east, in October. But votes can't take place while fighting continues, he said.

“People in Donbass need elections that would be recognized as legitimate. But y can't be that if held t in accordance with Ukrainian laws, to sound of gunfire and without (Kyiv's) control of Ukraine's border,” president said.

Zelenskiy anunced discussions with Russian President Vlimir Putin in April about ar exchange of prisoners. re are currently 200 Ukrainians held in rebel-controlled areas, Zelenskiy said.