Franklin Graham and Zelenskyy Discuss Peace as Ukraine Accepts U.S.-Proposed Ceasefire

Samaritan’s Purse head Franklin Graham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke Friday about their mutual desire for peace in the country amid peace negotiations with Russia following its 2022 invasion that has left thousands dead and millions displaced. Samaritan’s Purse has played a vital role in providing relief to Ukraine, delivering 265 million pounds of food and 31 million gallons of water along with medical assistance and other essential services. It also has distributed 1.1 million Bibles.

The organization estimates it has assisted 10 million Ukrainians.

“Today I spoke with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” Graham wrote on social media Friday. “I urged him to call for a national day of prayer at this critical time. I would encourage this not only for the people of Ukraine, but also for the people of Russia and around the world -- that the church of Jesus Christ stand together in prayer for peace. So many lives have been lost. President Donald J. Trump is right -- this war must end. We need God’s help.”

Today I spoke with Ukraine’s President @ZelenskyyUa. I urged him to call for a national day of prayer at this critical time. I would encourage this not only for the people of Ukraine, but also for the people of Russia and around the world—that the church of Jesus Christ stand…

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) March 14, 2025

While Ukraine has accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, the response from Russian President Vladimir Putin has been ambiguous. He said last week the deal “wasn’t complete.” 

Graham is president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Zelenskyy, too, disclosed details of their phone call.

“I thanked him for his support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, humanitarian aid, and the important guidance,” Zelenskyy said on social media. “I told him about our successful first step towards a just and lasting peace -- the meeting between the delegations of Ukraine and the United States in Jeddah [Saudi Arabia]. Our state seeks peace more than anyone, which is why Ukraine accepts the United States' proposal for an unconditional 30-day full interim ceasefire.

“This is a good step to save people,” Zelenskyy added. “The release of military prisoners of war and civilians in captivity, and the return of children could also be one of these steps. But now Russia is looking for various excuses to avoid ending the war. Pressure and unity from partners can change that.

“We value Franklin Graham's voice and rely on his support. 

“Thank you for your prayers for Ukraine and peace.”

I spoke with Franklin Graham, President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse.

I thanked him for his support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, humanitarian aid, and the important guidance.

I told him about our successful first step towards a… pic.twitter.com/Bcnv3KtzJM

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 14, 2025

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he is scheduled to speak with Putin Tuesday by phone.

“We want to see if we can bring that war to an end,” Trump said Monday, according to Reuters. “Maybe we can, maybe we can't, but I think we have a very good chance.”

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla/Staff

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Originally published March 17, 2025.