‘We Don’t Trust Russia, But…’: Zelenskyy’s Ceasefire Move Is Really About Trump- wna24

New Delhi: In a strategic move that seems to be aimed at winning favor with Donald Trump ’s Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted that Kyiv’s decision to consider a temporary truce was driven by the need to demonstrate its commitment to peace and not out of trust in Russia. 

“I have repeatedly stressed that none of us trust Russia… but we will not play into narratives suggesting that we want the war to continue,” Zelensky said.

Ukraine initially suggested a limited ceasefire covering only aerial and naval operations, but during talks in Jeddah on March 11, U.S. delegates pushed for a full truce. After receiving the proposal, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Ukraine’s willingness to accept the 30-day ceasefire plan put forward by the U.S.  

“I am very serious, and it is important for me to end the war. I want the U.S. president to see this, so that Europe and everybody unites to push Russia toward ending the war.”  

Tensions between Zelensky and Trump had escalated after their heated exchange in the White House on February 28. The Trump administration subsequently froze military and intelligence aid, accusing Ukraine of not being ready for peace. However, the pause was lifted after Kyiv agreed to the ceasefire deal.  

Zelensky emphasized that the ceasefire would be only the first step toward full peace. He stated that martial law would be lifted, and elections would be held once the war ends. 

The Trump administration, however, has been pressuring Ukraine to hold elections even before a full peace agreement, despite the Ukrainian Constitution prohibiting this under martial law. 

For the ceasefire to be fully implemented, Zelensky noted that Ukraine’s international partners would need to provide technical monitoring. He also questioned whether Moscow would agree to the deal.  

The Kremlin has yet to issue an official response, stating it will discuss the proposal with Washington first. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that talks with Russia are scheduled for March 12. However, Reuters, citing anonymous Russian officials, reported that Moscow is unlikely to accept the ceasefire unless its *battlefield gains and other demands* are taken into account.