Following Call with Zelenskyy, Trump Proposes Truce and Raises Pressure on Kremlin
U.S. President Donald Trump urged both Ukraine and Russia to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, describing it as the ideal outcome of ongoing efforts to de-escalate the war.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Trump's post on Truth Social.
The message followed Trump’s phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 8. Trump emphasized that such a ceasefire, reportedly already accepted by Ukraine but rejected by the Kremlin, should serve as a foundation for a sustainable peace agreement. He warned that if either party violates the truce, the United States and its allies would impose new sanctions.
“I hope that both sides will respect the integrity of direct talks. If they don’t, the U.S. and partners will act,” Trump said, without specifying whether the warning was directed at Moscow.
Trump reiterated his intention to work closely with European allies to broker a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia, adding, “I’m ready to engage personally at any moment if my involvement is needed.”
Zelenskyy underscored that Ukraine remains open to negotiations in any format, but stressed that real progress depends on Russia’s willingness to demonstrate genuine intent to end the war through a complete and unconditional cessation of hostilities.
According to Zelenskyy, Trump confirmed his interest in ending the conflict and expressed his support for a ceasefire, saying he is ready to assist in the process.
The two leaders also marked Victory Day by extending greetings to their nations and highlighting the importance of international cooperation amid ongoing global challenges.
Earlier, Trump had commented that a previous three-day ceasefire proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin was already “a lot,” but now he sees room for a broader truce. He suggested that recent drops in global oil prices may have made the Kremlin more amenable to dialogue.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance expressed cautious optimism, stating that Washington still hopes both Ukraine and Russia will agree to direct negotiations.
The proposed ceasefire and Trump's remarks come at a time of intensified international scrutiny, as efforts continue to find a viable path toward ending the war.
Read more on The Gaze: What lies behind Putin’s second so-called ceasefire