Zelensky and European Leaders Urge Cease-Fire as Essential Step Toward Peace in Ukraine

During their public meeting with President Trump on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders expressed strong support for the U.S. president’s approach to negotiations with Russia aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. However, a significant point of divergence remained over whether a cease-fire must precede any peace talks.

The previous week, President Trump had concurred with European counterparts that meaningful negotiations could not commence without first stopping the fighting. Yet, following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump withdrew his endorsement of this position, aligning more closely with Putin’s stance.

European officials regard this shift as a critical misstep. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated plainly at the outset of Monday’s discussions that a cease-fire is indispensable. “I cannot envision the next summit occurring without the cessation of hostilities,” Merz said, emphasizing the need to pressure Russia toward halting the violence.

Reiterating his stance during a press briefing following the meeting, Merz asserted, “Authentic negotiations can only take place at a summit that includes Ukraine’s direct participation. Such a gathering is only feasible if the guns fall silent. I made this demand clear today.”

The insistence on a cease-fire stems from several factors. Most prominently, there is a desire to stop the ongoing bloodshed, including the increasing number of civilian casualties. Historically, temporary halts in fighting have been essential for building the trust and stability necessary to initiate genuine peace discussions.

In the context of Ukraine, a cease-fire would also alter the military balance. Russia has been steadily advancing on the battlefield, seizing more Ukrainian territory, which strengthens President Putin’s leverage in any potential peace agreement—possibly including territorial concessions from Ukraine.

By stopping Russia’s forward momentum, a cease-fire would provide Ukraine’s forces the opportunity to regroup and rearm, thereby shifting the dynamics in future negotiations.

This strategic rationale explains why Russia resists a cease-fire, while European leaders like Chancellor Merz continue to advocate strongly for it.