Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposes steps for peace, assures US that he wants to end conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his Oval Office meeting last week with United States President Donald Trump did not go the way it was planned. However, he assured the Donald Trump administration that his government was dedicated to peace.

During the meeting, President Trump expressed frustration with Zelensky, criticising him and calling him "ungrateful." After this meeting, President Trump made an additional announcement on Monday that he was suspending all US military aid to Ukraine.

The last time US military aid was delayed – by Trump-supporting Republicans in December 2023 – $60 billion was held up for several months.

President Volodymyr Zelensky aims for peace

The Ukrainian leader expressed his readiness to take several steps aimed at creating a pathway to peace in the ongoing conflict. He offered to release Russian prisoners of war, cease long-range drone and missile strikes targeting Russian sites, and declare an immediate truce at sea.

These actions, he suggested, would help de-escalate the situation and open the door for potential peace negotiations, signalling Ukraine's willingness to take measures toward resolving the conflict.

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Volodymyr Zelensky reacts to his meeting with Donald Trump

Mr. Zelensky posted on X, stating that the meeting in Washington at the White House on Friday did not go as expected, and that it was unfortunate it unfolded in such a manner. He expressed that it was time to correct the situation and emphasised the desire for future cooperation and communication to be more constructive. This was his first public comment since Trump suspended US military aid to Ukraine.

Zelensky said that no one desires an endless war, and that Ukraine is prepared to engage in negotiations as soon as possible to move closer to lasting peace. He emphasised that no one desires peace more than the Ukrainians and assured that he and his team are ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to achieve a durable peace.

Volodymyr Zelensky on ending the war

Mr. Zelensky said that Ukraine is ready to act quickly to end the conflict with Russia. The first steps could include releasing prisoners and stopping attacks in the sky, such as missiles, long-range drones, and bombs targeting energy and civilian infrastructure. He also suggested an immediate truce at sea, as long as Russia does the same. After that, Ukraine hopes to move quickly through the next stages and work with the US to reach a strong final agreement.

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He also expressed deep appreciation for America's help in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. Zelensky recalled the moment when things changed, with President Trump providing Ukraine with Javelin missiles. He said Ukraine remains very grateful for this.

FAQs:

Why is Ukraine ready to negotiate peace?
Ukraine wants to end the war and secure lasting peace. President Zelensky assured that Ukraine is committed to finding a resolution and that no one wants peace more than Ukrainians.

What does a truce at sea mean?
A truce at sea refers to a ceasefire in maritime areas, stopping any military actions or hostilities in the sea between the conflicting sides.