Ukraine's Zelensky says there is now a good chance to end war

US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, 28 February, 2025. Photo: SAUL LOEB / AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that he saw a good chance to end the war with Russia after Ukraine accepted a US proposal for a 30-day interim ceasefire and Moscow said it would only agree if certain conditions were met.

"Right now, we have a good chance to end this war quickly and secure peace. We have solid security understandings with our European partners," Zelensky said on X.

"We are now close to the first step in ending any war - silence," he said, referring to a truce.

Speaking to reporters, Zelensky urged the US and other allies to apply pressure on Moscow, reiterating his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin will delay reaching a ceasefire as long as possible.

"If there is a strong response from the United States, they will not let them play around. And if there are steps that Russia is not afraid of, they will delay the process," Zelensky told media.

He said that the ceasefire along a more than 1000km frontline could be controlled with US help via satellites and intelligence. Washington resumed intelligence sharing and military aid after US and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia this week and Ukraine accepted the ceasefire.

Zelensky also said that officials at that meeting discussed the issue of territory, but a difficult dialog would be required to resolve it.

"The issue of territories is the most difficult after the ceasefire," Zelensky said at a media briefing.

With the war in its fourth year, Russian forces control nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory and they have steadily advanced in the eastern Donetsk region in recent months.

"The ceasefire unblocks the way for the sides to end the war. And the territories... will be the point that makes it possible to end the war after this issue is resolved," the Ukrainian president said.

Moscow has demanded that Kyiv permanently cede territory claimed by Russia, including Crimea and four other regions, a position Ukraine has rejected.

Zelensky said he was discussing with Kyiv's allies future security guarantees and also economic support, adding that 100 percent air defence cover would be required as deterrence in a peace deal.

- Reuters