[EUROPE] U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, aiming to create space for negotiations on a long-term peace agreement. He also warned that any breach of the proposed truce would trigger additional sanctions.
“Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations,” Trump stated in a social media post. “If the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions.”
Trump’s appeal follows a recent phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who confirmed Kyiv’s readiness to enact the 30-day truce immediately. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is awaiting a similar commitment from Russia and called on Moscow to halt hostilities through an unconditional ceasefire. Ukrainian officials have consistently emphasized that any credible peace process must begin with a genuine cessation of violence, citing skepticism over Russia’s adherence to previous truces.
Russia, meanwhile, has put forward a much shorter proposal—just three days—timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Ukrainian authorities rejected the offer, dismissing it as insufficient and highlighting past instances in which Russian forces reportedly broke ceasefire agreements within hours. Ukraine’s foreign minister described Moscow’s latest offer as a “farce,” while Russian officials accused Kyiv of continuing military operations during the brief pause.
Trump’s renewed push for a longer ceasefire reflects growing frustration within his administration over the lack of progress in resolving the conflict. While the president has expressed hope for a swift peace deal, senior U.S. officials have cautioned that Washington’s mediation role could be re-evaluated if neither side shows serious intent to negotiate. Vice President JD Vance recently criticized Russia’s terms as unreasonable and stressed the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement to bridge the gap between the two nations.
These diplomatic efforts come amid persistent violence across Ukraine, as Russian missile and drone attacks continue to strike major cities. Despite repeated international appeals for peace, the conflict remains at a stalemate, with little change on the ground. Analysts suggest that while Trump’s initiative may add urgency to peace efforts, it remains uncertain whether it will lead to substantive results.
According to recent reports, Trump’s administration has prepared a broad sanctions package targeting Russia should Moscow disregard the ceasefire proposal. Lawmakers in Congress have shown bipartisan backing for heightened punitive measures, reflecting growing impatience with the Kremlin’s actions and a desire to compel Moscow toward serious talks. Trump has also reassured European allies that the U.S. would coordinate closely with them during any peace process, seeking to address concerns about being excluded from negotiations.
As international scrutiny intensifies, Ukrainian officials have reiterated that any peace settlement must uphold the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Analysts in Kyiv caution against agreements that could validate Russian claims over occupied territories, arguing that past truces and peace accords have failed to prevent renewed aggression. With diplomacy ramping up and battlefield tensions unresolved, the coming weeks may prove pivotal for all sides involved.
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