Zelensky Stays Cautious with Trump's Cease-Fire Proposal

In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky showed apprehension towards a limited cease-fire proposed by Russia, which he believes falls short of what is needed for genuine peace, while preparing to discuss next steps with President Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday that he would converse with President Trump later to explore “the details of the next steps” after Trump’s recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin reported that during a conversation with Trump, Putin proposed a limited cease-fire that would cease attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities but did not extend to a full 30-day truce that Ukraine had been pushed to accept during talks in Washington.

Zelensky conveyed cautious consideration regarding Russia's latest offer, suggesting that effective implementation of such a cease-fire would necessitate U.S. oversight. “If the Russians do not strike our facilities, we will definitely not strike theirs,” he emphasized at a press conference held in Helsinki alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb, highlighting the ongoing distrust between the nations.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continued to escalate, with both sides accusing each other of targeting energy infrastructure. Zelensky criticized some conditions set by Putin for a wider ceasing of hostilities, such as the demand for a complete halt of foreign military assistance to Ukraine, which he claimed was a tactic to allow Russia to regroup and strengthen its military position. He reiterated concerns about Russia's readiness to cease hostilities, describing their reluctance to take initial steps toward peace as indicative of their unwillingness to genuinely negotiate an end to the conflict.

The original proposal for a 30-day cease-fire, which Ukraine had endorsed after discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, intended to encompass land, air, and maritime operations, representing the first significant halt of hostilities since Russia's full-scale invasion began over three years ago. Zelensky stated that this long-term truce would enable more comprehensive negotiations for lasting peace.

Anastasia Kuznietsova contributed to this report, highlighting the ongoing complexities of the war between Russia and Ukraine.