Putin Proposes Ceasefire in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed a ceasefire proposal regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Seven European leaders expressed their support for Trump’s negotiations aimed at ending the nearly three-year war in Eastern Europe. However, they cautioned that mixing Ukraine’s “active” diplomacy with increased pressures on Russia might complicate the peace process.

In a detailed joint statement released on Saturday, European officials indicated they are not only ready to support diplomatic efforts but also committed to bolstering Ukraine with military and financial aid. They emphasized the need to safeguard Ukraine’s interests alongside those of Europe.

The statement was endorsed by key leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

During a meeting in Moscow on Wednesday, Putin shared his ceasefire proposal with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, marking their fifth meeting of the year. While specific details remain vague, reports indicate that Russia suggested Ukraine withdraw its troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to facilitate a ceasefire. If this occurs, Russia would maintain control over Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.

Trump conveyed to the White House on Friday that they are open to land swaps as part of the peace negotiations. Shortly after, he announced plans to meet with Putin the following Friday.

When questioned about the negotiations, the president remarked, “We’re going to get some back, and we’re going to get some switch; there’s some exchange of territory to improve both.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, rejected the idea of conceding significant territory, stating on Saturday morning, “Of course we will not reward any concessions for what Russia has done.” He firmly asserted, “The Ukrainians deserve peace,” while emphasizing that “the Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupiers.”

European leaders reiterated the necessity of “reliable” security guarantees for Ukraine in peace discussions to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They conveyed that “Ukraine has more freedom of choice than its own fate,” insisting that meaningful negotiations can only occur in the context of a ceasefire or reduced hostilities. “The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine,” they added.

The group also highlighted their commitment to preventing forced changes to international borders and stated that current contact lines should serve as the basis for peace negotiations.

In Kent, England, British Vice President Vance, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and representatives of Ukraine and European allies gathered to discuss Trump’s endeavors for peace in Eastern Europe. Zelensky’s top advisor Andriy Yermak attended the meeting and noted that the current frontline should not be treated as a boundary in any final peace agreement.

Yermak emphasized, “Our position was clear. A reliable and lasting peace is only possible in Ukraine at the negotiation table. We respect sovereignty and refuse to recognize occupation. A ceasefire is necessary, but the frontline is not a boundary,” he stated on social media.

He added that their partners would continue to provide military, financial, and sanctions support—not just words—until the attacks cease.

In reaction to Putin’s ceasefire outline this week, European leaders reiterated their views, stating that any ceasefire must precede other concessions and that any territorial swaps should be reciprocal. In essence, if Ukraine withdraws from certain areas, Russian troops should do likewise.

U.S. officials have reported that the Kent meeting advanced Trump’s objectives in ending the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Meanwhile, there’s talk within the White House of inviting Zelensky to an upcoming summit in Alaska. The administration has allowed for a meeting involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky, while still coordinating a separate meeting between the president and Kremlin leaders.

On Saturday, European leaders confirmed their ongoing commitment to work closely with Trump, the U.S., and Zelensky toward achieving peace in Ukraine.