(MENAFN- Live Mint) Ukraine and its allies have agreed to begin drafting a ceasefire plan within the next 10 days, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, following a proposal from US President Donald Trump to halt the war along existing frontlines.

“Some quick points like a plan for a ceasefire. We decided we will work on it in the next week or 10 days,” Axios quoted Zelensky as saying.

The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv, in part to increase pressure on Moscow, was urging Washington to provide Tomahawk missiles.

Intensified battles in Donetsk

Ukrainian officials said Russian forces have renewed their push to seize the key transport hub of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.

“The occupiers, who have entered the city, are not trying to take hold, but intend to advance further north,” the 7th Rapid Response Unit of Ukraine's airborne troops posted on Facebook.

“In doing so, the enemy wants to disperse our defence forces and block land logistics corridors.”

Zelensky warned Russian forces have concentrated their“main strike force” on the city.

“There is fierce fighting in the city and on the approaches to the city. Logistics are difficult. But we must continue to destroy the occupiers,” he said.

Citing Ukrainian intelligence, he added that President Vladimir Putin had privately claimed Russia would capture the entire Donbas by October 15.

Nuclear-capable missile test raises tensions

The developments come days after Russia tested its Burevestnik missile, a nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise weapon that President Putin said could evade existing missile defence systems. NATO refers to the system as Skyfall.

US President Donald Trump criticised the missile test as“inappropriate” and urged Moscow to prioritise ending the war.

“He ought to get the war ended. A war that should have taken one week is now soon in its fourth year. That's what he ought to do instead of testing missiles,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, according to AFP.

Also Read | Joe Biden warns 'these are dark days' for Democracy under Trump Moscow defends weapons programme

The Kremlin said the test underscored Russia's commitment to its own security amid escalating Western pressure.

“Russia is consistently working to ensure its own security,” spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

“Ensuring security is a vital issue for Russia, especially against the backdrop of the militaristic sentiment that we are currently hearing, primarily from the Europeans.”

Putin appeared in a video wearing military fatigues as he received a briefing claiming the missile had flown 14,000 kilometres in its latest test.

Also Read | Trump revives North Korea outreach, says 'I'd love to meet' Kim Jong Un

MENAFN27102025007365015876ID1110255632