Zelensky confirms ceasefire plan in works with Western allies
3 Min Read
The Ukrainian president told Axios that Kiev is drafting a ceasefire proposal and seeking US arms, including Tomahawk missiles, to pressure Russia.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky walks up the street to meet Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, for a bilateral meeting. (AP)
Ukraine and its allies will develop a ceasefire proposal within the next ten days, President Volodymyr Zelensky told Axios, following the US president’s call to halt fighting along current frontlines.
“Some quick points. Like a plan for a ceasefire. We decided we will work on it in the next week or ten days,” Zelensky said in an interview published Monday.
He added that Kiev is urging Washington to provide additional weapons to increase pressure on Moscow, including Tomahawk missiles and other systems that require minimal training to operate.
US President Donald Trump said on October 18 that it was too early to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, emphasizing that his administration’s priority remained ending the war with Russia through diplomacy.
Kiev has been pressing Washington for weeks to approve the delivery of Tomahawk missiles, arguing that the long-range weapons could help pressure Moscow to end its war. However, Trump warned that the United States must avoid depleting its own arsenal, saying Tomahawks were “valuable assets” with a range of over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles).
Ukraine to receive 150 Swedish Gripen fighter jets starting 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that Kiev expects to receive the first batch of Swedish Gripen fighter jets in 2026, following a new bilateral agreement with Sweden.
Last Wednesday, Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a letter of intent outlining the transfer of up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine.
“A historic step has been taken now – an agreement with Sweden on Gripen fighter aircraft, and that is a good choice,” Zelensky wrote on X. “We are counting on 150 such aircraft for Ukraine, and the first are expected to arrive next year.”
The Gripen E is Sweden’s advanced multi-role fighter jet, designed for high maneuverability and interoperability with NATO standards. Under the agreement, Ukraine would begin receiving the first aircraft in 2026, with full delivery to be completed over three years.
Russia's response
While Western governments frame their involvement as support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, Russia sees it as an expansion of NATO’s footprint in the region, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Moscow has repeatedly warned NATO against militarily aiding Kiev, cautioning that it could spark direct confrontations with the bloc.
Moreover, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any cargo transporting weapons to Ukraine would be regarded as a legitimate military target.
Read more: Russia envoy says Russia, US, Ukraine near diplomatic breakthrough
