Written by Okafor Joseph Afam, Editor for SpringNewsNG Media Limited, March 12, 2025.

Zelenskyy made the announcement in a statement on his X page on Tuesday, following his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office in Washington, D.C. The ceasefire proposal includes a complete halt to missile, drone, and bomb attacks, both in the Black Sea and along the entire frontline.

However, Ukraine has emphasized that the success of the ceasefire now depends on the U.S. persuading Russia to agree to the terms.

Zelenskyy’s statement followed discussions between Ukrainian and American delegations in Saudi Arabia, where key issues such as air and sea security, the release of prisoners of war, and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia were raised.

He said, “I received a report from our delegation on their meeting with the American team in Saudi Arabia. The discussion lasted most of the day and was good and constructive—our teams were able to discuss many important details.

“Our position remains absolutely clear: Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war, and we want to do everything to achieve it as soon as possible and in a reliable way—so that war does not return.

“At this meeting with the Americans, Ukraine proposed three key points: silence in the skies—stopping missile strikes, bombs, and long-range drone attacks; silence at sea; real confidence-building measures in this whole situation, in which diplomacy is ongoing, which primarily means the release of prisoners of war and detainees—both military and civilian—and the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly transferred to Russia.

“The American side understands our arguments and considers our proposals. I am grateful to President Trump for the constructive conversation between our teams.

“During today’s talks, the U.S. side proposed taking an even bigger first step—a 30-day full interim ceasefire, not only stopping missile, drone, and bomb attacks, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line.

“Ukraine is ready to accept this proposal—we see it as a positive step and are ready to take it. Now, it is up to the United States to convince Russia to do the same. If Russia agrees, the ceasefire will take effect immediately.”

The proposal is part of broader diplomatic efforts involving European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who have also been working on a ceasefire plan presented to U.S. President Donald Trump.

The next challenge will be securing Russia’s agreement, as Moscow has yet to respond publicly to the proposal.

More diplomatic negotiations are expected in the coming days.