Zelensky credits US pressure on Russia for making country seem 'more inclined toward a ceasefire'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin seems more inclined to reach a peace deal and claimed pressure from the United States was likely a reason.

The White House earlier Wednesday indicated that President Donald Trump would meet with Putin sometime in the near future about a possible resolution to the Ukraine War, though no clear timeline for the meeting was laid out.

Putin has pushed for Ukraine to cede some of its territory that Russia now controls amid the war, but Zelensky has rejected the calls while working toward a permanent ceasefire and end to the years-long conflict. However, Zelensky now appears cautiously optimistic that an agreement could be reached in the near future with the U.S.'s help.

“Russia now seems to be more inclined toward a ceasefire — the pressure is working. But the key is to ensure they don’t deceive anyone in the details — neither us, nor the United States,” Zelensky said during an address. “We have proposed that in the near future, our representatives — from Ukraine and our partners, our national security advisers — hold talks to determine our position, our common position, and our shared vision."

The United States has been putting increased pressure on Russia to end the war by threatening heavy sanctions if an agreement is not reached soon. Special envoy Steve Witkoff also met with Putin on Wednesday.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.