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Trump’s Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Push Yields No Breakthrough After Putin Talks
After a 2-hour call with Putin, Trump announces “immediate ceasefire” talks between Russia & Ukraine—no breakthrough yet. Zelenskyy urges tougher sanctions if peace stalls. EU backs talks.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-20
Trump’s Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Push Yields No Breakthrough After Putin Talks

US President Donald Trump promised to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, yet the path to a ceasefire remains elusive. On Monday, Trump engaged in a two-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin — their third major conversation since January — aimed at kickstarting ceasefire talks. Following the call, Trump posted that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.” However, concrete progress remains limited.

Putin described the conversation as “productive,” emphasizing Russia’s willingness to work on a memorandum outlining principles and timelines for a potential peace accord. He reiterated that resolving “the root causes of this crisis” is crucial before agreeing to any ceasefire, including Russia’s demands that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and withdraw forces from contested regions—conditions Kyiv rejects.

Shortly before, Ukraine and Russia had their first direct talks since 2022 in Istanbul, ending without a ceasefire but agreeing on a prisoner exchange. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to suffer attacks, with its latest drone strike marking the largest of the war.

Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from the EU, France, Italy, Germany, and Finland to coordinate efforts. Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine’s readiness for a full, unconditional ceasefire and called for increased sanctions against Russia if Moscow remains unwilling to negotiate sincerely.

European leaders echoed support for negotiations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an immediate start to peace talks, while the newly elected Pope Leo XIV offered to host talks at the Vatican, with Turkey and Switzerland also under consideration as venues.

Despite Trump’s push, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned that no deadlines exist, with negotiations contingent on resolving complex details. Analysts suggest Trump’s administration will prioritize US interests in any engagement and that European nations may take the lead in supporting Ukraine.

The situation remains fluid, with Trump indicating he will back away if no progress occurs, while Zelenskyy stresses the importance of continued US involvement. As the war continues into its fourth year, the international community watches closely for signs of a lasting peace.
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