President Donald Trump recently criticized President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine while advocating for a peace deal to conclude the ongoing war in Eastern Europe.
On Truth Social, Trump posted: “President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY. At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly! I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won (not even close!) without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”
This statement follows Putin’s proposal to resume direct discussions with Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday (May 15), without any preconditions.
During an early Sunday press briefing at the Kremlin, Putin suggested restarting peace negotiations similar to those conducted by Russia and Ukraine in 2022. “We are committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine,” Putin stated, hinting at the possibility of a ceasefire as a result of direct talks.
These comments emerged after four major European nations warned Putin that they would increase pressure if he refused an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, an initiative they strongly backed alongside Kyiv.
France, the UK, Germany, and Poland have presented a ceasefire offer to commence on Monday, supported by Trump, who was informed earlier that day via phone.
Putin reiterated on Sunday that the Kremlin seeks a truce leading to a ‘lasting peace’ instead of a situation that would allow Ukraine to rearm and recruit more troops. He noted intentions to converse with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to facilitate Thursday’s peace talks, suggesting that genuine supporters of peace should back the proposal to restart discussions.
While Putin did not directly address the latest ceasefire offer, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated on Saturday to CNN that Moscow would need to assess the proposal.
Earlier, Peskov reiterated Russia’s position of being ready for peace talks with Ukraine ‘without preconditions’, accusing Kyiv of obstructing these efforts.
The unilateral three-day ceasefire declared by Russia, commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, lapsed on Saturday, with Ukraine alleging that Russian forces violated the truce multiple times.
In March, the US proposed a 30-day limited truce which Ukraine accepted, yet the Kremlin withheld agreement, seeking more favorable terms.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, flanked by European leaders in Kyiv, described their meeting as ‘a very important signal’.
A joint statement released on Zelenskyy’s official website emphasized the need for a ceasefire ‘lasting at least 30 days’ from Monday, to aid in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. “An unconditional ceasefire by definition cannot be subject to any conditions. If Russia calls for such conditions, this can only be considered as an effort to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy,” the statement declared.