Ukraine’s revised Peace Initiative: Can Zelenskyy and Trump find common ground?

Department of Research, Studies and International News 06-03-2025

In a recent development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has put forward a new peace initiative, signaling his willingness to negotiate an end to the war with Russia. This move comes amid shifting U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, who recently announced a pause on military aid to Ukraine. The evolving situation has raised questions about the feasibility of a peace settlement, the stance of European leaders, and Russia’s potential response.

During a speech before the U.S. Congress, Trump revealed that he had received a letter from Zelenskyy, in which the Ukrainian leader expressed a readiness to engage in peace talks. “Ukraine is prepared to sit at the negotiation table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace,” Trump stated, citing the letter. He further claimed that Russia had also signaled interest in negotiations, though without providing specifics on how a peace deal might materialize.

In response, Zelenskyy reaffirmed his commitment to peace in a social media post. His message was seen as an effort to change the narrative surrounding his relationship with the Trump administration, particularly after a contentious meeting in the Oval Office where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized him for not showing enough gratitude for U.S. military aid.

Keir Giles, a senior fellow at Chatham House, suggested that Zelenskyy’s conciliatory approach was an attempt to appease Trump, rather than pushing for direct, strategic engagement. However, this shift in tone might be necessary given Trump’s increasing reluctance to support Ukraine without conditions.

Key Elements of Zelenskyy’s Peace Proposal

Zelenskyy’s proposed peace plan consists of several phased measures, starting with:

• Prisoner Exchanges: Prioritizing the release of detainees held by both sides.
• Aerial Ceasefire: A ban on missile strikes, drone attacks, and bombings on energy and civilian infrastructure.
• Naval Truce: An immediate halt to hostilities in the Black Sea, contingent on Russian cooperation.

He also expressed a desire to work closely with the U.S. to finalize a comprehensive peace agreement. Mikhail Alexseev, a political science professor at San Diego State University, noted that the plan presents an opportunity to test Russia’s genuine willingness to negotiate.

How Does Europe View This Initiative?

Ahead of the Ukraine security summit in London, European leaders had already been discussing a step-by-step ceasefire similar to Zelenskyy’s proposal. French President Emmanuel Macron previously suggested a one-month halt to aerial and naval attacks, aligning with the Ukrainian leader’s recent plan.

Additionally, European leaders, including Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have indicated their openness to deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine if a deal is reached. However, Russia has strongly opposed any European military presence on Ukrainian soil, viewing it as a direct threat to its strategic objectives.

The U.S. Role and the Rare Minerals Deal

Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has shifted significantly since taking office. Last month, U.S. and Russian officials engaged in peace talks in Saudi Arabia, without Ukraine’s participation. This exclusion frustrated Ukrainian and European leaders, further complicating diplomatic efforts.

Meanwhile, discussions surrounding a U.S.-Ukraine rare minerals deal have resurfaced. Initially expected to be signed during Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, the deal was stalled following his dispute with Trump. However, recent developments suggest it may now proceed. The agreement would allow American investments in Ukraine’s critical mineral sector, a strategic move that Trump has emphasized as a means of strengthening U.S. interests in the region.

Zelenskyy has expressed support for the deal, stating that it could serve as a step toward enhanced security cooperation with Washington. Trump’s administration, in turn, argues that deeper economic ties with Ukraine would act as a deterrent against future Russian aggression. However, it remains uncertain whether Ukraine’s government or its parliament will sign the deal, given the tensions between Zelenskyy and the U.S. leadership.

Will Russia Agree to the Peace Plan?

While the specifics of a potential peace settlement remain unclear, experts are skeptical about Russia’s willingness to accept Zelenskyy’s proposal. Marina Miron, a defense researcher at King’s College London, argues that the ceasefire terms would disadvantage Russia, as it currently holds a superior long-range strike capability. This could make Moscow reluctant to agree to such conditions.

Furthermore, Alexseev believes that Russia is unlikely to accept any deal that does not involve Ukraine making significant concessions, including relinquishing territorial claims. Without increased pressure from the U.S., Russia may see little reason to compromise.

Ukraine’s new peace proposal presents a possible opening for negotiations, but significant hurdles remain. Russia’s reluctance, European concerns, and Trump’s unpredictable stance all add layers of complexity to the situation. While Zelenskyy’s outreach to Trump may be an attempt to secure U.S. support, the broader geopolitical landscape suggests that a resolution to the war is still far from certain.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether these diplomatic efforts gain traction , or whether the war will continue without a clear path to peace.