Trump again advocates for a ceasefire in Ukraine, suggesting a 30-day truce without any prerequisites.
Donald Trump, the unyielding President, lunges at Russia yet again, advocating a 30-day no-strings-attached truce with Ukraine. Any disregard for the ceasefire could land Russia in hot water with crushing sanctions.
Trump's newfound passion for peace rekindled after chatting with Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky. The duo engaged in a heart-to-heart, aiming to mend fences following a nerve-racking White House showdown in late February.
"Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are in full swing. The US urges a 30-day unconditional ceasefire," Trump thunderously announced on his social platform.
"Neglect the truce, and the US, alongside its partners, will slap on additional sanctions."
Trump passionately proclaimed both nations must honor the sacredness of these discussions in an attempt to put a stop to the conflict sparked by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky took little time to nod in agreement, urging the Russians to seize this opportunity, "Ukraine stands ready for an immediate ceasefire – a monthlong silence and no missile or drone attacks, no massive assaults along the frontline."
In March, Ukraine welcomed the US proposal for a 30-day truce, but it fell upon deaf ears with Russia. The Kremlin appears to be using the upper hand gained on the battlefield as US assistance to Kyiv begins to dwindle under Trump.
Putin, however, struck a different tone by ordering a three-day ceasefire for the 80th anniversary of World War II, which saw a grand military parade in Moscow attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
read more "Kyiv accuses Russia of violating Putin's declared three-day truce"
Despite Russia's declared ceasefire, Ukraine dismissed the move as mere theatrics and accused Russia of breaking its own order shortly after implementation.
"When has Russia ever kept its word?" an exasperated Kyiv resident, Anatoly Pavlovych, voiced.
Ticking clock
Trump, once promising to end the conflict within a day of reclaiming the White House, reached out to Putin, easing the Western isolation imposed on Putin since the invasion of Ukraine.
However, Trump's patience has slowly worn thin, first with Zelensky and more recently with Putin as the fighting persists.
"I crave lasting harmony. It can all be resolved swiftly, and I'll be on standby at a moment's notice if needed," Trump insistently tweeted.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly cautioned that the US could step back and focus on other matters in the absence of progress.
Trump prepares for a trip to Saudi Arabia next week, a venue that has served as a backdrop for separate talks involving Russia and Ukraine.
When asked if a surprise meeting with Putin could happen in Saudi Arabia, Trump replied, "Unlikely, but we're enjoying fantastic conversations. Exceptional discussions."
Zelensky has long battled the perception that he is an impediment to peace, after a major showdown with Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House meeting, where our duo were reportedly scolded for being unappreciative of the billions of dollars in US aid under former president Joe Biden.
Ukraine's parliament in turn ratified a minerals deal with the United States, a deal Zelensky had intended to seal during the problematic White House meeting.
Despite this deal, it does not include any security guarantees from Washington. Nevertheless, the Trump administration argues that strengthening economic ties with Ukraine will implicitly create a fortress against Russia.
(FRANCE 24 and AFP)
Additional Insights:
- As of April 2025, the proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine remains unimplemented. The Kremlin has continued to reject this proposal, opting for unilateral ceasefires tied to significant dates.
- International economic sanctions were imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine and remain a significant aspect of the broader diplomatic efforts to pressure Russia to end hostilities. However, there is no specific information available in the current context about how sanctions have been enforced due to ceasefire breaches.
- The unyielding President, Donald Trump, has been advocating for a technology-based solution to the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, proposing a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
- In the midst of heightened politics, Trump has been engaging in diplomatic discussions with both Russia and Ukraine, aiming to use business tactics to bring about peace.
- The general news landscape is filled with reports of Trump's efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine, as he continues to face challenges in his attempts to implement the proposed truce, with the Kremlin showing resistance.
