Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine and its allies have agreed to actively formulate a ceasefire plan within the "next week or ten days." He also called for US-supplied long-range missiles to compel Russia to return to negotiations.
Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv urgently requires advanced American weaponry to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into ending the conflict. This appeal follows recent US sanctions targeting major Russian oil firms, including Rosneft and Lukoil. While Zelensky welcomed these measures, he argued that additional pressure—particularly through military means—is necessary to bring Moscow to the negotiating table.
"President Trump is concerned about escalation," Zelensky told reporters. "But I believe the situation will escalate regardless if there are no talks. If Putin doesn’t stop fighting, we need tools to force him. Sanctions are one tool, but we also need long-range missiles."
He clarified that Ukraine is not solely seeking Tomahawk missiles, noting that the US possesses other comparable weapons requiring minimal operator training. "The only way to deal with Putin is through pressure," he added.
Despite earlier hints that he might approve missile transfers, Trump has grown cautious following his recent call with Putin. On October 19, after meeting Zelensky, Trump told reporters that providing long-range missiles could risk "escalation." Sources revealed that private discussions between the two leaders later turned contentious.
Zelensky explained, "My conversation with President Trump focused on how to pressure Russia. I think he wants to apply pressure but avoids escalation and keeps diplomatic channels open."
Meanwhile, Trump has abandoned plans for a summit with Putin after Russia refused to adjust its demands or agree to a ceasefire along current frontlines. Zelensky, however, expressed willingness to negotiate based on existing battle lines.
The Ukrainian leader accused Putin of insincerity in pursuing peace—a sentiment Trump appeared to share on October 19, when he suggested he might have been "misled" by the Russian president. Zelensky cited past failed negotiations, including the August Alaska summit, where Putin rejected Trump’s proposals.
Last week, Zelensky met with UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and members of the "Coalition of the Willing," who endorsed Ukraine’s ceasefire stance while condemning Russia’s intensified attacks. Discussions also covered potential additional sanctions and the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense.
The latest US sanctions aim to cripple Russia’s oil sector, a key revenue source for its military. Putin downplayed their impact, but Zelensky claimed the Kremlin is unsettled. Days after the sanctions were imposed, Putin announced the successful test of a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile—the "Burevestnik"—reportedly capable of evading US defenses with an unlimited range.
Former Russian Prime Minister Sergey Stepashin warned that such weapons, including the "Oreshnik" tested last November, would deter Ukrainian strikes even with US missile support. Analysts cite a 2021 Russian military journal estimating the Burevestnik’s range at 20,000 km (12,400 miles), enabling strikes on US soil from Russian territory.
Responding to Putin’s missile announcement, Trump dismissed it as "inappropriate" and noted US nuclear submarine deployments near Russia.
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