Trump On The Phone To End Ukraine War

On May 19, 2025, President Donald Trump engaged in a significant diplomatic effort by holding separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to address the ongoing Ukraine war. Trump’s call with Putin, lasting over two hours, was described by the U.S. president as “excellent” and by Putin as “informative, frank, and very useful.” Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would immediately begin negotiations toward a ceasefire, emphasizing that both parties would set the terms. He also highlighted a potential for large-scale trade with Russia post-war, suggesting economic incentives as part of the peace process. However, Putin’s statements, as reported by Russian media, reiterated his long-standing demand for a complete cessation of military aid to Kyiv, indicating little shift in Russia’s position despite the diplomatic outreach.
 
Prior to his conversation with Putin, Trump held a brief coordination call with Zelensky, asking what topics to discuss with the Russian leader. Zelensky urged Trump to push for a 30-day ceasefire, a future meeting involving all three leaders, and a stronger U.S.-Ukraine alignment. This preparatory call, confirmed by sources like The Wall Street Journal, reflects Zelensky’s strategy to ensure Ukraine’s priorities—particularly a full and unconditional ceasefire—were represented in Trump’s discussions with Putin. Zelensky later joined a call with European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Giorgia Meloni, to debrief on Trump’s conversation with Putin, underscoring the international stakes. Ukraine’s insistence on a ceasefire before talks contrasts with Putin’s proposal for direct negotiations without preconditions, a stance that has frustrated European allies who demand a pause in violence first.
 
The calls come amid heightened diplomatic activity following Russia and Ukraine’s first direct talks in years in Turkey, which failed to yield a ceasefire but resulted in a major prisoner swap agreement. Trump’s push for peace aligns with his campaign promise to end the war quickly, though his approach—softening on Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and entertaining Russian demands—has raised concerns among European leaders about undermining Kyiv. While Trump expressed optimism, suggesting the Vatican could host future talks, the lack of concrete concessions from Putin and ongoing Russian strikes, like the recent drone attack on a Ukrainian bus, cast doubt on immediate progress. The situation remains tense, with Ukraine and its allies wary of Russia’s intentions and Trump’s unilateral style, fearing it may prioritize U.S. interests over a just resolution for Kyiv.