President Trump Proposes 30-Day Unconditional Ceasefire in Ukraine War
By Kardo Roj
WASHINGTON, U.S. (North Press) –
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called for an “unconditional” 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, urging both sides to halt hostilities immediately or face renewed international sanctions. The proposal followed a phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who publicly welcomed the initiative.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the ceasefire as a vital step toward peace. “If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions,” he wrote, signaling a firmer stance on accountability for violations.
The announcement marks a fresh diplomatic move by Trump, who has pledged to bring an end to the war that has raged since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine Signals Readiness, Urges Russian Compliance
President Zelensky responded positively, stating that Ukraine is ready for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. “We are prepared for a 30-day silence starting now—but it must be real,” he posted, calling for a halt to all missile, drone, and ground attacks.
A senior Ukrainian official noted that the Trump-Zelensky phone call, which lasted around 20 minutes, focused on the ceasefire proposal, diplomatic efforts, and a minerals agreement ratified by Ukraine’s parliament on the same day.
That agreement, which outlines joint development of Ukraine’s strategic resources with the United States, does not include security guarantees but is being promoted by Washington as a long-term deterrent to Russian influence.
Kremlin Announces Own Truce—Then Breaks It
In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin declared a brief three-day ceasefire coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russia marked with a large military parade attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, Ukrainian officials reported renewed shelling just hours after the truce was announced.
Kyiv dismissed the gesture as a public relations move rather than a serious peace initiative. “When has Russia ever kept its promises?” asked 73-year-old Kyiv resident Anatoly Pavlovych in a comment to local media.
Washington’s Patience Wears Thin
Though Trump has previously claimed he could end the war swiftly, recent weeks have seen signs of growing frustration. In his Thursday statement, he reiterated his desire for peace but warned that both Moscow and Kyiv must demonstrate seriousness.
“It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed,” Trump wrote.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the need for progress, warning that U.S. diplomatic efforts could shift elsewhere if results remain elusive.
Ceasefire as a Testing Ground for Diplomacy
Analysts say the proposed truce could serve as a litmus test for both sides’ willingness to engage in more substantial negotiations. While Ukraine appears eager to reduce hostilities and maintain ties with Washington, Russia’s battlefield momentum may complicate immediate de-escalation.
In conflict-prone regions like northeast Syria, where ceasefires and diplomacy play vital roles in maintaining fragile stability, the Ukraine initiative underscores broader global challenges of enforcement, trust-building, and geopolitical balancing.
Saudi Arabia in Focus for Next Steps
President Trump is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia next week, a country that has hosted indirect dialogue between Russian and Ukrainian officials. Though he downplayed the possibility of a direct meeting with Putin, Trump stated that “very, very good” conversations were taking place behind the scenes.
As international attention shifts toward this diplomatic opening, the coming days may reveal whether this latest push can help stem a conflict that has strained international alliances and left enduring scars on the European continent.