Zelenskiy Urges Allies to Press Russia for 30-Day Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for immediate international pressure on Russia to implement a 30-day ceasefire, stating that peace is possible “at any moment.” Speaking in Prague alongside Czech President Petr Pavel, Zelenskiy emphasized that without stronger action from Kyiv’s allies, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not take meaningful steps to end the war, which began in 2022.

Zelenskiy criticized Moscow for ignoring a U.S.-proposed ceasefire launched in March and dismissed Putin’s symbolic three-day pause from May 8-10 as ineffective. He reiterated that a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire is necessary to allow diplomacy to take hold.

The Ukrainian leader also urged the international community to impose further sanctions on Russia, maintain military support for Ukraine, and bolster European defense cooperation. “Russia must know that Europeans will defend themselves,” he said. Pavel echoed Zelenskiy’s view, noting Putin alone holds the power to end the war with a single decision but has yet to show any willingness to do so.

The Czech Republic remains a key supporter of Ukraine, spearheading an international initiative to deliver large-caliber ammunition. The effort has supplied Ukraine with 1.6 million rounds over the past year, with 1.8 million more expected in 2025. Zelenskiy praised the program and highlighted future collaboration on military aviation, pilot training, and support for Ukraine’s F-16 fleet.

On Saturday, Zelenskiy posted on X about preparing for further foreign policy talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire. He also revealed a discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump during Pope Francis’ funeral in April, where both leaders agreed a 30-day ceasefire would be a vital first step toward ending the conflict.