Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a truce between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the air and at sea, stating that it would provide an opportunity to test Moscow’s willingness to end its three-year invasion.
Zelenskyy made this appeal on Thursday while addressing a summit in Brussels, where European leaders gathered to discuss defense spending and support for Ukraine following the US decision to pause military aid to Kyiv.
“Everyone needs to ensure that Russia, as the sole instigator of this war, accepts the need to end it. This can be demonstrated by two forms of silence that are easy to establish and monitor: firstly, no attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure – a truce for missiles, bombs, and long-range drones; and secondly, a truce at sea, meaning no military operations in the Black Sea,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader stressed that any such truce should only be seen as a first step toward a comprehensive agreement to end the war and secure safety guarantees for Ukraine. He also reiterated that the release of all prisoners of war could serve as a means of building basic trust.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of adhering to the principle of “no talks on Ukraine without Ukraine,” following US President Donald Trump’s bilateral discussions with Russia, which sidelined Kyiv and European leaders.
“Anything that affects the security of Europe should be resolved with the participation of Europe,” he added.
DAILY MENTOR reports that the summit in Brussels comes after a tense clash between Zelenskyy and Trump in the Oval Office last week, as well as weeks of criticism from the Trump administration. The US president has been pressing for a swift resolution to Russia’s war in Ukraine, raising concerns about the future of international support for Kyiv.
Zelenskyy’s call for a truce highlights Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to seek peace while maintaining its sovereignty and security. The proposal aims to create a pathway for dialogue and de-escalation, though its success will depend on Russia’s response and the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.