President Donald Trump has renewed his
call for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine following a phone
conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressing optimism
that peace efforts may gain traction despite earlier frustrations with stalled
negotiations.
“Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue,” Trump posted on
Truth Social. “The U.S. calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both countries will be
held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations.” He
added that further sanctions would be imposed if the ceasefire is not upheld.
Trump, 78, had recently threatened to withdraw from
peace negotiations due to Moscow’s reluctance to make concessions. However, in
Thursday’s statement, he appeared to signal renewed commitment, saying he would
remain “available on a moment’s notice” to facilitate talks. “Thousands of
young soldiers are dying weekly. Everybody should want it to STOP. I do, and
the United States does, also,” he said.
President Zelensky, 47, described his conversation
with Trump as a “good conversation” in a post on X, noting that the two leaders
welcomed Ukraine’s ratification of a new U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal. The
agreement will allow both countries to equally share profits from mining and
drilling licenses on Ukrainian soil.
Zelensky also confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to
implement a ceasefire immediately. “We discussed the need for continued efforts
to achieve peace, including concrete steps that could be taken,” he wrote.
“Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire, starting even today. We are now
waiting for Russia to support this proposal.”
The Ukrainian leader reiterated Kyiv’s openness to
negotiations in any format, but stressed that Moscow must first demonstrate its
seriousness by committing to a full and unconditional ceasefire.
Trump emphasized that any ceasefire must be a stepping
stone toward a lasting peace. “It can all be done very quickly,” he stated. “As
President, I will stay committed to securing peace between Russia and Ukraine,
together with the Europeans — and a lasting peace it will be.”
Zelensky concluded by confirming that he and Trump had
agreed to maintain further contact as diplomatic efforts continue.
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