Brussels: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European Union leaders today to support an air and naval truce between Russian and Ukrainian forces, suggesting it would test Russia’s willingness to end the three-year-old military campaign in Ukraine.

According to Qatar News Agency, during his address at a summit in Brussels, Zelensky stressed that the onus is on Russia, as the sole instigator of this conflict, to acknowledge the need to bring it to an end. He proposed two measures: halting strikes on energy networks and other civilian facilities and refraining from conducting military operations in the Black Sea.

Zelensky underlined that any such ceasefire should be seen only as a preliminary step toward a comprehensive agreement to conclude the war and secure safety guarantees for Ukraine. He also noted that releasing all prisoners of war could serve as a foundational step in establishing trust.

Zelensky insisted that his country and European leaders must be fully involved in any discussions affecting European security. He welcomed the EU’s new defense-spending initiative, describing it as critical for Europe’s collective security.

European leaders have convened to discuss defense funding and extend support to Ukraine following the recent suspension of U.S. military aid to Kyiv. Earlier in the day, Zelensky called on European nations to maintain pressure on Russia until it ceases its attacks, referencing a recent Russian missile strike that claimed the lives of four civilians.