KYIV. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed optimism about the prospects of ending the war with Russia, following Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S.-backed 30-day interim ceasefire proposal. However, Moscow has stated that it will only agree to the truce if certain conditions are met.
“Right now, we have a good chance to end this war quickly and secure peace. We have solid security understandings with our European partners,” Zelenskiy posted on X. He described the truce as “the first step in ending any war – silence.”
Speaking to reporters, Zelenskiy urged the United States and Ukraine’s allies to exert pressure on Moscow, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin would seek to delay the ceasefire process unless confronted with a firm response.
“If there is a strong response from the United States, they will not let them play around. And if there are steps that Russia is not afraid of, they will delay the process,” Zelenskiy said.
He further stated that the ceasefire along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) frontline could be effectively monitored with the help of U.S. satellites and intelligence. This comes after U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, leading to Washington resuming intelligence sharing and military aid to Kyiv.
While the ceasefire offers a potential path to ending the war, Zelenskiy acknowledged that discussions on territorial issues would be complex.
“The issue of territories is the most difficult after the ceasefire,” he said during a media briefing.
With the war now in its fourth year, Russian forces control nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory and have been advancing in the eastern Donetsk region in recent months. Moscow has demanded that Kyiv permanently cede Crimea and four other regions claimed by Russia—terms Ukraine has firmly rejected.
“The ceasefire unblocks the way for the sides to end the war. And the territories … will be the point that makes it possible to end the war after this issue is resolved,” Zelenskiy explained.
Beyond military concerns, Zelenskiy noted that discussions with Kyiv’s allies also include long-term security guarantees and economic support. He emphasized that achieving “100% air defense cover” would be crucial in ensuring lasting peace.
As negotiations continue, the success of the ceasefire will depend on whether both sides can bridge their differences over territorial disputes and security measures in the coming weeks.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
