Trump speaks with Zelenskyy and Putin, pushes for ‘immediate’ ceasefire talks

U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19 held phone calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, followed by a two-hour conversation with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin – their third to at least reach a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing war. 

According to journalist Barak Ravid of HBO’s Axios news outlet, citing sources, Trump’s conversation with Zelenskyy lasted only “a few minutes.” 

By contrast, Russian media reported that the call with Putin surpassed two hours.

Both calls focused on efforts to halt the war that Russia unjustifiably started in Ukraine and the mediation has so far ended in failure. 

Following the conversations, Trump announced that Ukraine and Russia would “immediately” begin negotiations on a ceasefire. Ukrainian and Russian delegations already held talks in February 2022 when Russia initially launched an all-out war. 

Another was held the following month of that year, as well as this month in Istanbul, all of which  have yielded no realistic outcome to end the bloodshed that has cost more than 1 million lives.

“Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an end to the war,” Trump said. “The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”

He added that the Vatican, where the Pope is based, had shown strong interest in being involved in the process.

“Let the process begin,” Trump wrote.

The Kremlin later claimed Russia was prepared to work on a memorandum with Ukraine that could include a temporary ceasefire. 

A Kremlin readout described his call with Trump as “constructive,” saying both sides must “find compromises that would satisfy everyone.” 

However, Putin stressed that for Russia, the main goal remains eliminating the root causes of the “crisis” that alludes to Kyiv being at fault.

Trump also said he would not impose additional sanctions on Russia “because there is a chance” for progress — but did not rule out such measures in the future.

“There may come a time when that happens,” he said.

Trump also warned that he is prepared to walk away from negotiations if no progress is made.

Trump said he had briefed the leaders of Italy, Germany, France, Finland, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about his discussion with Putin.

“It’s important that the U.S. stays engaged. We will continue to support Volodymyr Zelenskyy to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine,” von der Leyen said.

Zelenskyy confirmed that Trump is urging direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow. However, Ukraine’s second war-time president said a ceasefire should come first, as a sign of Russia’s genuine willingness to end the war.

He also emphasized that Ukraine has not yet seen the draft memorandum proposed by Russia. But if it includes conditions such as Ukrainian troop withdrawal from Ukrainian territory, Zelenskyy said it would be clear that Moscow has no real intention of stopping the war.

“No one will withdraw our troops from our land — it is a constitutional duty of mine and our military,” Zelenskyy said. “There will be no ultimatums. No one will give up their land, their people, or their homes.”

Kyiv is currently awaiting Russia’s official version of the proposed document.

Analysts at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War warn that Russia is avoiding a ceasefire ahead of peace talks in order to maintain its battlefield momentum and extract concessions from Ukraine and the West.