Western leaders back Trump’s ceasefire proposal, raises questions over Ukraine’s territorial future

Western leaders call for an immediate halt to the war in Ukraine, even if this might benefit Russia. (Credit: Financial Times)

Western leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, have endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for an immediate halt to fighting in Ukraine, signalling a renewed push toward negotiations with Russia.

The joint statement, released Oct. 25 from Ottawa, said that the “current line of contact” should serve as the basis for ceasefire discussions. The leaders also reaffirmed that territorial integrity must be respected and borders cannot be changed by force.

“We strongly support President Trump’s position that the fighting should stop immediately and that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations,” read the statement.

The statement was co-signed by Zelenskyy, Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, among others.

The proposal suggests freezing military positions where they currently stand. Analysts said this could leave Russia in control of large areas of eastern and southern Ukraine unless later negotiations reverse that. (Credit: BBC News)

Ukraine has consistently stated it does not recognize Russian sovereignty over occupied territory. Zelenskyy’s office has said any peace must include the withdrawal of Russian forces and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Russia has presented the shift in Western messaging as acceptance of what it calls “new realities.” However, the joint statement emphasizes continued pressure on Moscow.

“We must ramp up the pressure on Russia’s economy and its defence industry,” said the leaders.

The statement also notes plans to mobilize frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine.

The endorsement comes as many Western governments face increasing domestic pressure over long-term military spending and humanitarian support. Ukraine has struggled with ammunition shortages and battlefield constraints, while political debates in Washington and several European capitals have slowed delivery of new military packages.

Some European countries, including France and Germany, have signalled openness to considering negotiations. Others, including Poland and Baltic states, argue that freezing the front line risks legitimizing Russia’s invasion and weakening European security.

In Fredericton, members of the Ukrainian community say they are following developments closely and with mixed feelings.

Oksana Tesla, president of the Ukrainian Association of Fredericton, said community members are relieved at the possibility of reducing casualties, but many fear a ceasefire based on current battle lines could lead to the permanent loss of Ukrainian territory.

“Of course people want the shelling to stop,” she said. “But if the war freezes where it is now, many families may never return to their homes. That is not peace. That is separation.”

Tesla said several Ukrainian families in Fredericton have relatives living in occupied regions and remain in daily contact with them.

“People here are trying to rebuild their lives, but they are also waiting,” she said. “Waiting for the moment when it is safe to go back, or for their parents to join them. If the current front line becomes permanent, those futures become uncertain.”

She said the community is cautious but hopeful that negotiations will not erase Ukraine’s sovereignty.

“Peace has to include justice,” said Tesla. “Ending the fighting is only the first step. What happens after matters just as much.”