Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Kyiv will prepare a ceasefire proposal for Russia “within the next ten days”, amid rising tensions following Moscow’s latest missile test. His remarks come as former US president Donald Trump criticised Vladimir Putin for boasting about Russia’s successful trial of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile. The weapon, according to Moscow, can travel over 14,000 kilometres and evade any missile defence system. Trump responded by saying the United States did not need to fly its own weapons such distances, citing its nuclear submarines stationed near Russia’s shores.
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Speaking to Axios, Zelensky welcomed Washington’s recent sanctions on major Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil but said more pressure was required to bring Putin to the negotiating table. “If Putin doesn’t stop, we need something to stop him,” he said, emphasising that sanctions and long-range missiles were both necessary. Zelensky also revealed that his discussions with Trump had become heated, with the former president reluctant to approve the delivery of Tomahawk missiles, citing fears of “escalation”.
Despite this, Zelensky maintained that diplomacy must remain possible and said he hoped Trump would maintain pressure on Russia. He also noted that Putin was refusing to engage seriously in peace talks, recalling previous failed attempts to negotiate a settlement. Western allies, including the UK, expressed support for Ukraine’s ceasefire efforts following a meeting between Zelensky and Sir Keir Starmer in London last week.
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The sanctions imposed on Russian oil are expected to deal a blow to Moscow’s wartime revenues, though the Kremlin has publicly downplayed their impact. Analysts warn that Russia’s new missile developments, including the Burevestnik and Oreshnik systems, are intended to project strength amid growing economic pressure. Meanwhile, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would continue to work with international partners to secure peace — but only on terms that ensure the country’s sovereignty and security.
