Trump calls for Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, threatens imposing sanctions
3 Min Read
US President Donald Trump has called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, pledging support for peace talks while warning of new sanctions if the truce is violated.
-
US President Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, center, at the Elysee Palace, December 7, 2024, in Paris, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, at the Technology Forum in Moscow, Russia, February 21, 2025 (AP)
In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, US President Donald Trump urged both Moscow and Kiev to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing his readiness to support diplomatic peace efforts. Trump announced on Thursday via a post on Truth Social, highlighting ongoing dialogue between the United States and the warring nations.
"Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue. The US 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 US and its partners will impose further sanctions," Trump stated.
Trump reinforced the importance of accountability and international cooperation, warning that new sanctions on Russia and Ukraine would be introduced if the ceasefire is not honored. The former president emphasized his commitment to working alongside European allies to support peace and diplomacy in the region.
"Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine,… pic.twitter.com/kwrfbaQw4d
— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) March 7, 2025
Back in March, Trump posted on the X social media platform that he was strongly considering sanctions on Russia, citing its "pounding" of Ukraine.
Trump expresses willingness to help broker Ukraine-Russia Peace Agreement
Trump also signaled his willingness to take an active role in future peace negotiations, saying he would be ready “at a moment’s notice” to assist in achieving a long-term resolution to the conflict.
"This ceasefire must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement. It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed," he added.
Earlier that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X about a positive conversation he had with President Trump.
Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire starting right now, from this very moment — a 30-day silence. But it must be real. No missile or drone strikes, no hundreds of assaults on the front. The Russians must respond appropriately – by supporting the ceasefire. They must prove their… pic.twitter.com/zRX5o7qzff
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 8, 2025
During the call, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is ready to implement an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia, aligning with the proposal outlined by Trump.
The call for a temporary truce comes at a critical time in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, as global leaders search for pathways to reduce hostilities and pursue peace.
Talks at the Vatican
Last week, during talks at the Vatican, Zelensky and Trump supported a 30-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire, discussed sanctions on Russia, and agreed on the new air defense and minerals deal.
Earlier that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X about a positive conversation he had with Trump. The two leaders discussed a newly signed bilateral critical minerals agreement, which Trump had strongly supported.
The deal grants the United States preferential access to Ukrainian mineral projects and aims to encourage American investment in Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction. Zelensky described the agreement as mutually beneficial, noting that it would help Ukraine safeguard US investments while supporting its citizens.
On security, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for advanced air defense systems, suggesting they be included in a proposed U.S.-Ukraine cooperation fund. "These things are not free," he quoted Trump as saying.
