Zelenskyy Proposes a Partial Truce to Putin
Putin has received a surprising proposal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has suggested a partial truce to halt long-range air and sea attacks between the two nations. The announcement, made by Zelenskyy on Tuesday via social media, calls for an end to drone and missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities. Additionally, the proposed truce would include the naval war and facilitate an exchange of prisoners of war held by both sides. The move signals a shift in Ukraine’s stance and aims to reestablish trust with U.S. President Donald Trump.
This is the first time Zelenskyy has publicly suggested a ceasefire with Putin, even on a partial scale. A similar effort was reportedly explored in mid-2024 when third-party mediators attempted to negotiate a halt to attacks on Ukraine’s electricity grid and Russia’s oil and gas industry. However, Ukraine’s capture of a portion of Russia’s Kursk region in August 2024 disrupted those discussions. According to Kremlin sources, the situation became untenable for a truce at that time.
The new proposal from Zelenskyy follows comments from French President Emmanuel Macron, who disclosed ongoing negotiations with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to propose a one-month ceasefire. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot elaborated that the truce aims to assess whether Putin is genuinely interested in peace. This diplomatic maneuver indicates a broader European effort to test Russia’s willingness to end hostilities.
Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy Amid Peace Talks
Putin’s role in the negotiations has taken on new weight as Trump has repeatedly suggested that the Russian leader is more inclined towards peace than Zelenskyy. Relations between Trump and the Ukrainian president have been strained, particularly following their contentious meeting at the White House on Friday. Trump warned Zelenskyy that Ukraine is in a precarious position, lacking strong leverage.
The U.S. government has since suspended military aid to Ukraine, pending proof of its commitment to negotiations. Washington supplies nearly 40% of Ukraine’s defense resources, a crucial component in the country’s ongoing war effort. Without U.S. support, Zelenskyy has acknowledged that Ukraine’s survival chances are significantly diminished.
Zelenskyy’s recent social media post reflected a conciliatory tone towards Trump. He admitted that the White House meeting did not go as planned, expressing regret over the fallout. He emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate, reiterating that no one desires peace more than Ukrainians. However, his statement notably omitted the term “fair,” a word often used to underline Ukraine’s demand for recognition of its sovereignty in occupied territories and Russia’s responsibility for war damages.
Zelenskyy’s Shift Towards Trump’s Leadership
Putin remains central to the shifting dynamics of the conflict as Zelenskyy signals willingness to work under Trump’s leadership for lasting peace. In his statement, the Ukrainian president expressed readiness to collaborate with Trump, avoiding an apology but demonstrating openness to diplomatic resolutions. Trump and his advisors had reportedly sought an apology for Zelenskyy’s previous remarks, which the Ukrainian leader did not provide.
Another key point in the negotiations is the economic agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. The proposed bilateral treaty would allocate 50% of Ukraine’s mineral revenues to the United States. This agreement, intended to bolster economic cooperation, was expected to be finalized last Friday but was postponed following the White House disagreement. Although military aid is not explicitly mentioned in the treaty, Ukrainian officials believe it will lead to a future defense agreement.
The Impact of Air and Sea Strikes on Civilian Infrastructure
Putin’s strategy in the war has included daily missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine’s civilian and military infrastructure. These attacks have crippled 80% of Ukraine’s electricity generation capabilities, significantly impacting the country’s economy and daily life. In response, Ukraine has targeted Russia’s oil and gas sector with long-range drone strikes, sometimes reaching over 1,000 kilometers inside Russian territory.
Zelenskyy’s proposal seeks to curb these attacks but would apply only to civilian infrastructure, excluding military targets. By halting air and sea strikes on essential facilities, Ukraine hopes to alleviate suffering while creating an environment conducive to broader peace talks. However, the effectiveness of such an arrangement depends on Putin’s willingness to reciprocate.
International Reactions and the Road Ahead
Putin’s response to Zelenskyy’s truce offer remains uncertain. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions globally. European leaders, including Macron and Starmer, are cautiously optimistic, while skepticism remains about Russia’s commitment to peace. The Ukrainian government views this as a strategic move to gauge Putin’s sincerity in negotiations and to strengthen diplomatic ties with the West.
Meanwhile, Trump’s stance on the conflict has introduced additional uncertainty. His comments favoring Putin over Zelenskyy have alarmed European allies, prompting concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. The suspension of military aid has intensified pressure on Zelenskyy to seek alternatives, making the proposed truce a significant step toward conflict resolution.
Zelenskyy’s decision to engage with Trump despite their past disagreements signals a pragmatic approach to securing Ukraine’s future. While the proposed truce offers hope for reducing civilian casualties, its success depends on mutual adherence and broader diplomatic agreements. As tensions persist, the world watches closely to see if Putin will accept this opportunity for de-escalation or continue his aggressive campaign.
The evolving dynamics between Ukraine, Russia, and international players highlight the complexity of finding a peaceful resolution. If Putin genuinely seeks peace, as Trump suggests, this proposal may serve as a critical test of his intentions. Otherwise, Ukraine may need to brace for continued conflict, relying on European support to fill the void left by reduced U.S. assistance.
