Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a truce between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the air and at sea, stating that it would provide an opportunity to test Moscow’s willingness to end its three-year invasion.

Zelenskyy made this appeal on Thursday while addressing a summit in Brussels, where European leaders have gathered to discuss defence spending and support for Ukraine following the US decision to pause military aid to Kyiv.

“Everyone needs to ensure that Russia, as the sole instigator of this war, accepts the need to end it.

“This can be demonstrated by two forms of silence that are easy to establish and monitor: firstly, no attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure – a truce for missiles, bombs, and long-range drones; and secondly, a truce at sea, meaning no military operations in the Black Sea,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader stressed that any such truce should only be seen as a first step towards a comprehensive agreement to end the war and secure safety guarantees for Ukraine.

He reiterated that the release of all prisoners of war could also serve as a means of building basic trust.

Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of adhering to the principle of “no talks on Ukraine without Ukraine,” after US President Donald Trump engaged in bilateral discussions with Russia, sidelining Kyiv and European leaders.

“Anything that affects the security of Europe should be resolved with the participation of Europe,” he added.

DAILY POST reports that the summit in Brussels follows a disastrous clash between Zelenskyy and Trump in the Oval Office last week, as well as weeks of harsh criticism of Zelenskyy from the Trump administration, with the US president pressing for a swift resolution to Russia’s war in Ukraine.