Zelensky Extends Olive Branch to Trump, Proposes Partial Truce with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered a partial truce to Russia and expressed willingness to mend relations with U.S. President Donald Trump.

This development comes after a tense meeting at the White House last week, as reported by multiple news sources on March 4, 2025. Zelensky proposed a ceasefire in the air and at sea, including a ban on missiles, long-range drones, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.

He also suggested an all-for-all prisoner exchange as a step towards peace. The Ukrainian leader emphasized his readiness to work under Trump’s “strong leadership” to achieve a lasting resolution.

The proposal aligns with a recent Franco-British peace plan, which includes a one-month partial ceasefire and potential deployment of European peacekeeping forces.

French President Emmanuel Macron outlined this plan in an interview with Le Figaro, suggesting it could test Russia’s commitment to peace. Trump’s administration has paused military aid to Ukraine, pressuring Kyiv to engage in peace talks with Moscow.

This move follows three years of conflict that has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Ukrainian cities. The war has displaced 10.2 million Ukrainians and caused substantial economic damage to both countries.

Russia has suffered over 700,000 military casualties, while Ukraine has lost around 400,000 troops. The conflict has also taken a toll on civilian infrastructure, with 64% of Ukraine’s electricity generating capacity destroyed or occupied.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine’s economy is forecast to grow by 2.5% in 2025. Meanwhile, Russia’s GDP growth is expected to reach 1.6%.

The international community watches closely as these peace initiatives unfold. There is hope for a resolution to the long-standing conflict that has reshaped Eastern European geopolitics.