The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that his country continues to support ceasefires as an important step toward ending wars, saving lives, and allowing diplomacy to work.
Speaking about Russia’s war against Ukraine as well as security tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf, Zelenskyy said stopping the fighting prevents further destruction of towns and cities and allows power plants and other infrastructure to operate normally.
“A ceasefire is the right decision that leads to the end of the war,” Zelenskyy said. He added that silence on the battlefield is necessary for talks to produce results.
Ukraine, he said, has repeatedly called for ceasefires in Europe and supports similar efforts in the Middle East and the Gulf to create space for negotiations.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to respond in kind if Russia stops its attacks, explaining that ceasefires help create the conditions needed for workable agreements, adding that the understanding is widely shared across the international community.
“Ukraine tells Russia once again: we are ready to respond in kind if the Russians stop their strikes. It is obvious to everyone that a ceasefire can create the right conditions for agreements,” he said.
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Ukraine Credits US with Supporting Diplomatic De‑escalation
Zelenskyy acknowledged the involvement of countries in peace efforts and said the United States’ role in the current de‑escalation talks is especially important.
He described US engagement as a positive step that reduces violence and advances discussions.
Ukrainian military experts have been working in the Middle East and the Gulf to help protect civilians and strengthen regional security, he added, noting that the country has supported security efforts outside Europe.
The president said unrest in the Middle East and the Gulf affects people everywhere, including by raising economic pressure and living costs.
He added that any post‑conflict plans must focus on security and consider the needs of all affected communities.
Zelenskyy also stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a global concern that requires coordinated international action.
He said that the country will continue to work constructively with its partners to ensure that postwar security arrangements strengthen global stability rather than weaken it.
“Ukraine will continue to act responsibly,” Zelenskyy said, thanking countries and organizations supporting diplomatic and security efforts.
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Kyiv Pushes Reciprocal Halt on Energy Strikes Through US Mediation
Zelenskyy’s comments come as Ukraine has advanced diplomatic efforts to reach a limited ceasefire focused on protecting energy infrastructure.
On April 6, Zelenskyy said the country formally sent a proposal to Russia through US mediators. Under the plan, Ukraine will stop attacks on Russian energy facilities if Russia agrees to halt strikes on Ukrainian power plants, electricity networks, and fuel depots.
The proposal follows an earlier suggestion for a temporary ceasefire during Orthodox Easter on April 13, which Zelenskyy said would test whether diplomacy could make progress.
He has also pointed to US mediation as key to narrowing differences between Kyiv and Moscow, while linking Ukraine’s ceasefire efforts to its broader role in supporting regional security, including cooperation with Gulf countries and support for safe shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
