President Trump again pushed for a 30-day cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine Thursday after speaking by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, promising to “stay committed to securing Peace” after earlier threatening to walk away from talks between the warring nations.
“Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue,” Trump, 78, posted to 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.”
“If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions,” he added.
Zelensky, 47, described his call with Trump on X as a “good conversation,” during which the two presidents “welcomed the Ukrainian Parliament’s ratification” of the US and Ukraine’s newly inked mineral deal that will see the nations splitting profits 50/50 from the sale of new mining and drilling licenses on Ukrainian territory.
“We discussed the need for continued efforts to achieve peace, including concrete steps that could be taken,” Zelensky said. “President Trump inquired about the situation on the battlefield, and I provided a brief overview. I also informed him that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire, starting even today.”
Zelensky further noted that Ukraine and the US are “waiting for Russia to support this proposal.”
“I also reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to engage in talks in any format,” Zelensky said. “But for that, Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the war, starting with a full unconditional ceasefire.”
Trump said that such a cease-fire “must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement,” adding that “it can all be done very quickly” and that he “will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for more information.
