BlogHear.com | World News | May 20, 2025
In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin negotiations aimed at a ceasefire and an end to the ongoing war. The announcement came after a two-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Trump described as having gone “very well.”
Speaking later with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump relayed the outcome of his call with Putin and emphasized that the framework for peace must be determined directly between Moscow and Kyiv.
“The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of,” Trump stated on his Truth Social account.
Putin Proposes Peace Memorandum
Following the conversation, Putin expressed readiness to work on a “memorandum on a possible future peace agreement.” He described the call with Trump as “frank, informative and constructive” and suggested the memorandum would outline settlement principles and a potential timeline for ceasefire implementation.
However, Putin did not respond to earlier calls from the U.S. and European nations for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Zelensky Calls It a “Defining Moment”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who held a separate call with Trump alongside European leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and Giorgia Meloni, reaffirmed Ukraine’s demand for a full and unconditional ceasefire.
“This is a defining moment. The negotiation process must involve both American and European representatives at the appropriate level,” Zelensky said.
He cautioned against the U.S. distancing itself from the talks, warning that “the only one who benefits from that is Putin.”
Mixed Signals From the Frontlines
Despite the renewed diplomatic push, there has been no immediate halt to hostilities. Recent Russian strikes have killed at least 10 people, including nine in a civilian minibus in northeastern Ukraine. The attack occurred shortly after rare face-to-face talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials resulted in a prisoner swap, but no truce agreement.
Both countries have accused each other of violating short-term ceasefires declared in recent months, including one during Easter and another in early May during Russian WWII commemorations.
International Reactions and Peace Venue Proposals
European Commission President von der Leyen welcomed Trump’s efforts, stating, “It’s important that the U.S. stays engaged.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni added that Pope Leo’s earlier offer to host peace talks at the Vatican has been well-received by world leaders.
A potential summit in Turkey was previously considered, but Putin declined an invitation to attend in person.
Uncertain Path Ahead
While Trump’s efforts have reignited discussions on peace, skepticism remains. Ukrainian officials remain wary of Russia’s intentions, citing past broken truces and continuing hostilities.
Yury Ushakov, a senior aide to Putin, said no specific ceasefire timeframe was discussed during the Trump-Putin call, although the U.S. president reportedly emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022, has entered its fourth year with devastating human and economic consequences. The latest diplomatic developments offer a glimpse of hope, but significant hurdles remain before any lasting peace can be achieved.
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