Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Officially Rejects the Joint Donald Trump – Putin Ceasefire Proposal, Declaring Russia’s Peace Deal “Unacceptable” and a Threat to Ukraine’s Sovereignty

Zelenskyy Rejects Trump–Putin Peace Plan, Calls Russian Ceasefire Proposal a “Trap”

Kyiv, Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formally rejected the ceasefire and peace deal jointly promoted by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the proposal “unacceptable” and “a trap designed to freeze the war without securing real peace.”

The deal, announced after high-profile talks between Trump and Putin in Alaska last week, called for an immediate ceasefire along current frontlines, recognition of Russian control over occupied territories, and the suspension of Ukraine’s NATO membership ambitions in exchange for limited security guarantees.

But in a televised address to the Ukrainian people on Sunday night, Zelenskyy dismissed the plan outright, warning that such a deal would only embolden Russia and leave Ukraine vulnerable to future aggression.

“Peace cannot be dictated by the invader. Ukraine will not accept any plan that rewards occupation, divides our people, or undermines our independence,” Zelenskyy declared. “This so-called peace deal is not peace—it is surrender disguised as compromise.”

The Ukrainian leader emphasized that any true peace agreement must include a full withdrawal of Russian forces, accountability for war crimes, and long-term security guarantees backed by international partners.

Tension Between Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington

The rejection marks a sharp rebuke to Trump, who had promoted the ceasefire plan as a “realistic solution” to ending the war. Trump praised Putin during their joint press conference in Anchorage, describing the Russian leader as “serious about peace” and framing Zelenskyy’s acceptance as crucial for saving lives.

Putin, meanwhile, portrayed the deal as a generous offer, accusing Ukraine of sabotaging peace efforts. “We have put forward reasonable terms,” Putin told Russian state media. “If Kyiv refuses, it is clear they do not want peace, only war.”

Zelenskyy countered those claims directly in his address, insisting that Russia’s so-called “peace” would come at the price of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

International Reaction

Western allies quickly rallied behind Zelenskyy’s decision. European Union leaders said the proposal was a thinly veiled attempt by Moscow to lock in territorial gains. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg echoed that view, stressing that “Ukraine alone decides its future, not Russia, and certainly not through a deal that legitimizes illegal occupation.”

In Washington, reactions were split. President Joe Biden’s administration cautiously distanced itself from the Trump–Putin initiative, reaffirming U.S. military and financial support for Ukraine. However, several of Trump’s Republican allies defended the plan, accusing Zelenskyy of prolonging the conflict.

Ukraine’s Path Forward

For Zelenskyy, the rejection was framed as not only a matter of principle but of national survival. “We do not seek endless war,” he said. “But peace without justice is just the beginning of another war. Ukraine will fight until peace comes with freedom, not submission.”

The rejection leaves the future of negotiations uncertain, while fighting continues across eastern Ukraine. Analysts warn that Russia may use Ukraine’s refusal as justification for escalating military operations, while Trump is expected to campaign on his role in attempting to broker a peace deal.