Zelenskyy Offers Nobel Nomination to Trump Conditional on Ukraine Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would endorse Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize if the former U.S. president helps broker a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine. Zelenskyy framed the proposal during remarks to the press in Kyiv on 9 October 2025, emphasizing both political symbolism and strategic leverage.

“If Trump gives the world — and Ukraine in particular — the chance for such a ceasefire, then yes, he should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize,” Zelenskyy said. “We will nominate him from Ukraine.” :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

His statement follows Trump’s recent diplomatic involvement in brokering the Gaza–Hamas ceasefire. Zelenskyy cited that success as precedent for leveraging U.S. diplomatic muscle in Ukraine negotiations. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Ukrainian lawmakers have already introduced a motion in parliament to support a formal nomination of Trump to the Nobel Committee, positioning Kyiv among the countries backing the idea. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The condition Zelenskyy placed on the nomination is precise: it hinges on Trump securing a ceasefire that would meaningfully halt hostilities in Ukraine. Trump’s role, in Zelenskyy’s view, would be to exert diplomatic, political, or economic pressure on Russia to agree to such a truce. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The Nobel Peace Prize nomination window closes 31 January, and submissions from qualified nominators (including heads of state) are due ahead of the committee’s selection period. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Reaction to Zelenskyy’s announcement was mixed. Some analysts view it as a calibrated political gesture to tie Trump’s incentive to Ukraine’s strategic interests. Others caution that such grand symbolic overtures carry reputational risk if ceasefire efforts fail or are perceived as transactional instead of sincere.

The Kremlin’s response to the idea was relatively muted. Some Russian commentators suggested they would welcome a Nobel nomination of Trump, though they noted that the awarding body typically values enduring peace efforts beyond short-term agreements. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Domestically in Ukraine, the proposal energized supporters of renewed diplomacy but also triggered debate. Critics warn the move may tie Kyiv’s diplomatic fortunes too tightly to an individual rather than multilateral peace architecture.

Still, Zelenskyy’s offer increases stakes. By aligning Ukraine’s peace expectations with Trump’s diplomatic legacy, Kyiv signals that any future ceasefire or negotiation success must have U.S. backing and visibility.

Looking ahead, the real test lies in whether the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine can translate high-profile rhetoric into actionable, enforceable ceasefire terms. The Nobel Committee’s decision will likely rest less on nomination rhetoric and more on whether any agreement proves sustainable beyond its announcement.