A Call for Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a truce between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the air and at sea, suggesting it as a way to test Moscow’s willingness to end its three-year invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy made this appeal during 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.
The proposal highlights Zelenskyy’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict while ensuring Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
Zelenskyy’s Proposal: Two Forms of Silence
In his address, Zelenskyy outlined two key components of the proposed truce:
A Truce in the Air: No attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure, including a halt to the use of missiles, bombs, and long-range drones.
A Truce at Sea: No military operations in the Black Sea, ensuring the safety of maritime activities.
Zelenskyy emphasized that these measures would be easy to establish and monitor, providing a clear test of Russia’s intentions.
Building Trust: A Path to Peace
Zelenskyy stressed that the truce should be seen as a first step toward a comprehensive agreement to end the war. He also suggested that the release of all prisoners of war could serve as a means of building basic trust between the two nations.
“Everyone needs to ensure that Russia, as the sole instigator of this war, accepts the need to end it,” Zelenskyy said.
The Importance of Inclusivity
The Ukrainian leader reiterated the principle of “no talks on Ukraine without Ukraine,” criticizing US President Donald Trump for engaging in bilateral discussions with Russia without involving Kyiv or European leaders.
“Anything that affects the security of Europe should be resolved with the participation of Europe,” Zelenskyy added, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to resolving the conflict.
Context: US-Ukraine Tensions
Zelenskyy’s proposal comes amid strained relations between Ukraine and the US, following a disastrous clash between Zelenskyy and Trump in the Oval Office last week. The Trump administration has been critical of Zelenskyy, pushing for a swift resolution to the war and pausing military aid to Ukraine.
This backdrop adds urgency to Zelenskyy’s call for a truce, as Ukraine seeks to maintain international support while exploring pathways to peace.
A Test for Russia
Zelenskyy’s proposal for a truce in the air and at sea represents a bold step toward ending the war. By calling for a halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure and military operations in the Black Sea, he is challenging Russia to demonstrate its commitment to peace.
As the international community watches, the success of this proposal will depend on Russia’s response and the willingness of global leaders to support Ukraine’s quest for security and sovereignty.