Ukraine's Zelenskyy supports Trump's cease-fire proposal amid war
- Trump urged Russia to accept a 30-day cease-fire to reduce civilian casualties.
- Zelenskyy expressed hope that the cease-fire proposal could lead to a lasting peace deal with security guarantees.
- The responsibility for moving forward with peace now rests on Russia's response.
In the ongoing conflict resulting from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, critical developments took place in March 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly supported a cease-fire proposal that was put forward by former U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in Jeddah on March 11. Zelenskyy referred to the proposal as a potential draft for a lasting peace deal, emphasizing the need for security guarantees for Ukraine as a prerequisite for any agreement. This marks a significant turning point as both sides engage in discussions to halt ongoing violence and civilian suffering. Additionally, Trump’s proposal included warnings of further sanctions on Russia should it refuse to comply with the 30-day cease-fire request. This ultimatum highlights the complex nature of the geopolitical landscape, as the U.S. seeks to exert pressure on Russia while supporting Ukraine in its defensive efforts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin had received Trump's message regarding the cease-fire during talks in Moscow, but skepticism remains about Russia's willingness to make meaningful concessions. Simultaneously, doubts are surfacing among European nations about Russia's commitment to negotiate and its readiness to accept any terms proposed by the U.S. or Ukraine. European leaders are keenly aware of the need for a cooperative approach, balancing security assurances for Ukraine with the potential lifting of EU sanctions against Russia to foster dialogue. Trust in Russia's intentions is fragile, as previous engagements have shown a pattern of insincerity in negotiations. The trajectory of negotiations surrounding the cease-fire and long-term peace remains uncertain, relying heavily on Russia's forthcoming actions. President Zelenskyy suggests that the initiative is now contingent upon Moscow's decisions, intensifying the pressure on Putin to respond favorably to Trump's proposal. The international community observes closely as these discussions could lead to significant shifts in the ongoing war, affecting not just Ukraine and Russia, but also the broader geopolitical landscape in Europe.