US President Donald Trump has called for a one-month unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, following a 72-hour truce declared unilaterally by Russia for its Victory Day celebrations. Trump stated that both nations should come to an agreement on a ceasefire, although his proposal calls for a pause of at least 30 days.
As part of the Victory Day celebrations, world leaders from 29 countries and military personnel from 13 nations participated in the commemoration.
Following an order from President Putin, Russian forces halted hostilities, remaining at previously occupied positions. The Defence Ministry in Moscow stated that Russian forces only responded to Ukrainian violations with “tit-for-tat reactions.”
The Ukrainian military, however, reportedly launched at least 488 attacks and attempted two incursions into Russia’s Kursk Region during the ceasefire, according to Moscow's Defence Ministry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had earlier dismissed the Russian peace proposal as “manipulation,” later held a phone conversation with Trump.
After the call, Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s readiness for a complete ceasefire, stating, “Ukraine is ready for a complete ceasefire today, right from this moment.”
He also insisted that the truce should last for at least 30 days. Trump, in turn, reiterated that the US was aiming for 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,” Trump added.
Trump further warned that if the ceasefire was breached, the US and its allies would impose further sanctions. “It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed,” he said.
The US President also suggested that China could play a role in facilitating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. He indicated that Beijing might help bridge the gap between Moscow and Kiev. “It is a natural thing to ask,” Trump remarked, when asked by a journalist whether China could assist. “I think so, yes,” he added.
This comes as relations between Washington and Beijing have recently deteriorated due to Trump's decision to impose tariffs of up to 145 per cent on Chinese goods, citing national security and trade imbalances. Beijing retaliated with its own 125 per cent tariffs on all US imports and introduced export controls.
Zelenskyy also urged Washington to support the initiative for a ceasefire, calling for Russia to give an “adequate” response to Ukraine’s offer. He stated, “It should include no missile strikes, drone attacks, or hundreds of assaults along the frontline.”
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