Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire to end the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. The request came after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris. Trump shared the statement on Truth Social, urging for an urgent resolution to the conflict. Although he has long promised to end the war, Trump has yet to outline specific plans on how he intends to do so.
Trump posted, “Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness.” He emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and for peace negotiations to begin. This statement follows Trump’s recent appointment of a special envoy to address the war. The envoy proposed starting with a ceasefire and delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership, but Trump’s team has not confirmed whether the proposal matches his own call for peace.
Trump Urges Putin to Act and Reaffirms NATO Stance
Trump’s Truth Social post also referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The world is waiting!” Trump claimed he spoke with Putin last month, though Russia has denied the conversation. He also discussed the situation in Syria, suggesting that Russia’s focus on the war in Ukraine caused them to lose interest in protecting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
In a pre-recorded interview with Meet the Press, Trump stated that he would end the war “if I can” and hinted that Ukraine might receive “possibly” less U.S. military aid under his administration. He also reaffirmed that the U.S. would stay in NATO if other countries fulfill their financial commitments. Currently, 23 of NATO’s 32 members meet the alliance’s 2% GDP defense spending target, a significant increase from just three members a decade ago.
Zelenskyy and Russia Set Conditions for Ceasefire
In response to Trump’s call for a ceasefire, President Zelenskyy made it clear that any peace agreement must include reliable guarantees. He emphasized that Ukrainians desire peace more than anyone else, but warned that a ceasefire without strong assurances could easily collapse. Zelenskyy stressed that Russia, not Ukraine, is responsible for the war and must be held accountable for peace to be meaningful.
Zelenskyy posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “It cannot simply end with a piece of paper and a few signatures.” He noted that any ceasefire without enforceable guarantees could quickly be reignited, as Russia had previously done. Zelenskyy called for peace that would not turn a blind eye to occupation and further suffering.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded by stating that Russia is open to negotiations, but they must be based on agreements made in Istanbul in 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion. Peskov added that Russia’s willingness to negotiate depends on the current military realities on the battlefield.
Kellogg’s Peace Plan: A Path to Negotiation
While Trump has not disclosed specific details about his ceasefire proposal, Keith Kellogg, his appointed special envoy, has outlined a potential peace plan. Kellogg suggested that Ukraine should continue to receive military aid during negotiations to prevent further Russian territorial gains. Additionally, Kellogg proposed delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership for an extended period, which could encourage Russia to engage in talks.
Kellogg’s peace plan calls for a “comprehensive and verifiable peace deal with security guarantees” for Ukraine. He emphasized that this approach would prevent Russia from retaining the territory it has seized in the invasion. Kellogg’s plan also advocates for a reset in U.S. strategy, though he clarified that Ukraine should not be forced into an unfavorable deal. However, Ukraine must agree to negotiate in order to receive additional support.
Ukraine’s NATO Membership and the Road Ahead
A source familiar with discussions on how to end the war explained that Ukraine would not be pressured into an agreement that goes against its national interests. However, the source revealed that Ukraine would need to engage in negotiations to secure further military support. The potential delay of Ukraine’s NATO membership could last between 10 and 25 years, depending on the outcome of negotiations.
Kellogg has spent months working on the peace plan. While the full details of the plan are still unclear, his continued efforts suggest a potential path to resolution. Trump’s decision to appoint Kellogg as special envoy signals alignment between the two on key issues regarding the war. As negotiations move forward, the possibility of a negotiated solution to the Russia-Ukraine war remains on the table.