Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to take the first step toward ending the war, but the Kremlin’s stance shows that Moscow has no intention of stopping its aggression. In his address, he emphasized that a ceasefire could pave the way for real peace talks.
“During a ceasefire, in a period of calm, we could develop a solid peace plan, put it on the table, discuss the details, and implement it. We are ready,” Zelensky said.
At the same time, the president stressed that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin continues to lie about the situation on the front lines, the scale of Russian military losses, and the state of Russia’s economy. According to Zelensky, the Kremlin’s conditions indicate that Russia has no real interest in ending the war but is simply trying to buy time.
The Kursk Operation Has Shifted the Battlefield
Zelensky also addressed Ukraine’s military operation in Russia’s Kursk region, which, according to him, has achieved its strategic objectives. As a result of Ukrainian forces’ actions, pressure on the Kharkiv front has eased, and the situation in Pokrovsk has stabilized.
“First, the pressure on Kharkiv decreased because the Russians shifted most of their forces to Kursk. Then, they started pulling troops from the east, but they have not abandoned their main goal—Pokrovsk,” Zelensky explained.
He added that Ukrainian military successes have significantly weakened Russia’s initiative, making it much harder for the enemy to create a new threat to Pokrovsk.
Washington Calls for “Silence on Land, at Sea, and on the Front Lines”
According to Reuters, the United States has proposed an unconditional ceasefire. Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine supports this initiative.
“We are ready to move swiftly toward guaranteed security, the end of this war, and lasting peace,” he stated in his evening address.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin is attempting to exploit U.S. political developments to its advantage. According to journalists, Putin sent a letter to Donald Trump through a special envoy, outlining proposals for a ceasefire. At the same time, Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, told Fox News that Washington is carefully analyzing Russia’s position.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the American administration views contacts with Moscow with “cautious optimism.”
Peace in Exchange for Concessions? Ukraine Won’t Agree
U.S. media reports indicate that ceasefire negotiations include the possibility of territorial concessions to Russia. Waltz did not rule out that a future peace agreement might involve Ukraine giving up part of the Donbas region.
“It’s important that we discuss these issues with both sides—our Ukrainian partners and Russia,” Trump’s adviser stated.
These remarks sparked a strong reaction in the UK. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a CNN interview, criticized the Kremlin’s approach to negotiations.
“Putin is playing political games. His complete disregard for the U.S. president’s initiative shows he is not serious about a peace deal,” Starmer emphasized.
Trump “Joked” About Ending the War in 24 Hours
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously claimed he could end the war in Ukraine within a day, has now admitted that he was “partly joking.” However, he remains confident that he could find a resolution to the conflict if he returns to the White House.
He also suggested that new details about a potential ceasefire could emerge on March 17 but avoided answering what should be done if the Kremlin fails to keep its promises.
Given the Kremlin’s track record, any peace initiatives must be approached with caution. Russia has repeatedly violated agreements, using ceasefires to regroup its forces and prepare for further aggression.
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