Donald Trump has urged an immediate ceasefire to end the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. The statement followed his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris. In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized the urgency of negotiations to halt the war. While he has long promised to end the conflict, specific details of his strategy remain unclear.
Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal
Trump’s post expressed optimism about a peace deal, claiming, “Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness.” He reiterated the need for immediate negotiations and referenced his appointment of Keith Kellogg as a special envoy. Kellogg has previously suggested delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership as part of an initial step toward peace.
Though Trump’s transition team has not clarified whether his proposal fully aligns with Kellogg’s plan, the envoy has laid out a detailed approach. His recommendations include arming Ukraine during talks to deter further Russian aggression and pursuing a verifiable peace agreement with security guarantees for Ukraine.
Russia and Ukraine React
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy cautiously responded to Trump’s call for peace. He stressed that any agreement must include reliable guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression. “It cannot simply end with a piece of paper and a few signatures,” Zelenskyy posted on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that peace must be sustainable, warning against a ceasefire that could lead to renewed hostilities.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated Russia’s openness to negotiations but insisted talks should reference agreements made in Istanbul in 2022. He emphasized that Russia’s stance depends on developments on the battlefield, leaving significant uncertainty about their willingness to compromise.
Kellogg’s Peace Plan and NATO Membership
Keith Kellogg’s peace plan highlights delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership to foster negotiations. He also advocates for continued military support to Ukraine during talks, ensuring Russia cannot seize additional territory. According to Kellogg, the final deal must include robust security guarantees for Ukraine and provisions to return seized territories.
A source familiar with the plan revealed that NATO membership for Ukraine could be postponed for up to 25 years, depending on the agreement’s terms. However, Ukraine would need to engage in negotiations to access further military aid.
While Trump has not explicitly endorsed all aspects of Kellogg’s plan, his appointment of the envoy suggests alignment on major points. As discussions unfold, the feasibility of a negotiated peace remains uncertain. Both Ukraine and Russia continue to weigh the costs and conditions of a potential agreement.
