Trump demands ‘unconditional ceasefire’ in Ukraine
The US president has called for a longer truce amid reports that Kiev is unwilling to observe a 72-hour pause unilaterally declared by Moscow. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Moscow and Kiev would soon come to an agreement...
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The US president has called for a longer truce amid reports that Kiev is unwilling to observe a 72-hour pause unilaterally declared by Moscow.
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Moscow and Kiev would soon come to an agreement on a month-long truce following his Thursday conversation with Vladimir Zelensky, coinciding with a 72-hour ceasefire proclaimed by Russia to mark Victory Day.
Beginning at midnight Thursday, Russian forces halted hostilities and maintained their positions, reportedly only responding to Ukrainian violations with a “tit-for-tat reaction,” as stated by the Defense Ministry in Moscow. Reports indicate that Ukrainian troops conducted at least 488 attacks and attempted two incursions into Russia’s Kursk Region, according to the ministry.
Zelensky, who had earlier dismissed the Russian peace initiative as “manipulation” while ramping up drone strikes on Russian territory, spoke with Trump later that day. After their call, he asserted that “Ukraine is ready for a complete ceasefire today, right from this moment,” but emphasized that the truce should last for a minimum of 30 days.
“Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue,” Trump mentioned in a post on Truth Social following the conversation.
The US is advocating for an ideal 30-day unconditional ceasefire, hoping that a satisfactory agreement can be reached and that both nations will be held accountable for upholding the integrity of these direct negotiations.
Trump cautioned that if a ceasefire is established but “is not respected,” the US and its allies would impose further sanctions.
Moscow has consistently expressed its willingness to negotiate with Ukraine without any preconditions. In March, it consented to a US-brokered 30-day partial ceasefire aimed at halting attacks on energy infrastructure. However, the Russian military claims that Kiev violated the truce repeatedly.
When announcing the ceasefire last week, President Vladimir Putin characterized it as a humanitarian gesture to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, suggesting it could also serve as a catalyst for “the start of direct negotiations with Kiev without preconditions.”
During his Thursday call for a longer “unconditional ceasefire,” Trump emphasized that the truce “must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement,” reiterating his dedication to achieving a “lasting” peace between Russia and Ukraine.
“It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed,” he added.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Moscow and Kiev would soon come to an agreement on a month-long truce following his Thursday conversation with Vladimir Zelensky, coinciding with a 72-hour ceasefire proclaimed by Russia to mark Victory Day.
Beginning at midnight Thursday, Russian forces halted hostilities and maintained their positions, reportedly only responding to Ukrainian violations with a “tit-for-tat reaction,” as stated by the Defense Ministry in Moscow. Reports indicate that Ukrainian troops conducted at least 488 attacks and attempted two incursions into Russia’s Kursk Region, according to the ministry.
Zelensky, who had earlier dismissed the Russian peace initiative as “manipulation” while ramping up drone strikes on Russian territory, spoke with Trump later that day. After their call, he asserted that “Ukraine is ready for a complete ceasefire today, right from this moment,” but emphasized that the truce should last for a minimum of 30 days.
“Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue,” Trump mentioned in a post on Truth Social following the conversation.
The US is advocating for an ideal 30-day unconditional ceasefire, hoping that a satisfactory agreement can be reached and that both nations will be held accountable for upholding the integrity of these direct negotiations.
Trump cautioned that if a ceasefire is established but “is not respected,” the US and its allies would impose further sanctions.
Moscow has consistently expressed its willingness to negotiate with Ukraine without any preconditions. In March, it consented to a US-brokered 30-day partial ceasefire aimed at halting attacks on energy infrastructure. However, the Russian military claims that Kiev violated the truce repeatedly.
When announcing the ceasefire last week, President Vladimir Putin characterized it as a humanitarian gesture to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, suggesting it could also serve as a catalyst for “the start of direct negotiations with Kiev without preconditions.”
During his Thursday call for a longer “unconditional ceasefire,” Trump emphasized that the truce “must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement,” reiterating his dedication to achieving a “lasting” peace between Russia and Ukraine.
“It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed,” he added.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
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