Trump urges Russia and Ukraine to engage in high-level negotiations for a mutual ceasefire
In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump has urged Russia and Ukraine to hold direct negotiations for a ceasefire, marking the first time in years that such a conversation has been on the table. Trump took to Truth Social to express his optimism, stating that both sides are "very close to a deal" and should "meet, at very high levels, to 'finish it off,'" promising to assist in facilitating an end to this longstanding conflict.
While representatives from Russia and Ukraine did not immediately respond to requests for comment, it's important to note that the last direct talks between the two nations took place during the early days of Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, referred to the meeting between Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff as "productive." According to Ushakov, the conversation helped bring the U.S. and Russia closer together not only on Ukraine, but also on various international matters.
Witkoff, who's also been involved in ceasefire talks with Ukraine, did not respond to a request for comment by Reuters.
Putin has shown signs of being open to resuming ceasefire talks with Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveying his readiness for conversations aimed at halting attacks on civilians.
Trump's call for direct negotiations came the same day he was quoted in an interview with Time, stating that "Crimea will stay with Russia." This statement serves as yet another example of the U.S. president exerting pressure on Ukraine to concede land to Russian invaders.
One of Ukraine's most prominent politicians, Kyiv mayor and former boxing champion Vitali Klitschko, has conceded that his country may have to give up territory to Russia if it wants to achieve a peace deal – a significant departure from the established positions of his country's president.
Klitschko expressed his views during a discussion on ceasefire options on the BBC, stating that "one of the scenarios is to give up territory." He added that such a move, while not ideal, could potentially bring about temporary peace.
Serhiy Leshchenko, an adviser in Zelenskyy's office, criticized Klitschko's comments, labeling them "counterproductive." Early Friday, Klitschko and Zelenskyy clashed politically, with Klitschko now emerging as one of the most prominent Ukrainian politicians to suggest that such concessions could soften.
The Ukrainian government has repeatedly made it clear that it's unwilling to relinquish land to Moscow, leaving a significant rift between its position and that of Russia and the Trump administration, which has played a central role in negotiations aimed at ending the war.
Zelenskyy, on the other hand, posted on an unspecified platform on April 25, 2025, that the proposed ceasefire, which had been agreed upon 45 days prior, faced opposition from Russia. "That is why this cannot be resolved without pressure," he wrote. "Pressure on Russia is necessary."
Trump has faced accusations of being more lenient toward Russia than Ukraine, brushing off these claims by stating that he's placing pressure on Russia without elaborating. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, meanwhile, stated that the Kremlin is "ready to reach a deal" but that some details need to be "fine-tuned."
The sticking points have proven difficult to overcome, with Trump, who once promised he could end the war in 24 hours, eager to secure a deal, particularly as he marks his first 100 days in office next week. Russia remains hesitant to give up its perceived battlefield and diplomatic advantages, while Ukraine is wary of making painful territorial concessions that would leave it vulnerable to future attacks by the Kremlin.
Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and currently controls approximately a fifth of its territory. Zelensky reiterated his stance, emphasizing that there's "nothing to talk about" when it comes to relinquishing occupied territories permanently. Regarding concerns about inflammatory statements, Trump accused Zelensky of refusing to cede land for peace on social media.
On the frontlines and in the skies, Ukraine continues to come under pressure, with Russia continuing its nightly bombardment of civilians.
- The economic implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly the potential impact of any ceasefire agreement, remain a significant focus in general news and politics discussions.
- In an agreement that could potentially reshape the dynamics of war-and-conflicts in the region, President Trump has urged Russia and Ukraine to hold direct negotiations for a ceasefire.
- The ceasefire talks, if successful, could have implications for Putin's political standings, given his involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- As disagreements persist and pressure mounts for a resolution, questions arise about the willingness of both Ukraine and Russia to make compromises, such as territorial concessions, to achieve a lasting ceasefire.
