Trump Backs 30-Day Ukraine Ceasefire in Call with Zelenskyy Amid Rising Doubts Over Russia's Intentions

Trump Proposes Ceasefire Amid Escalating Violence

Former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines Thursday by proposing a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The call, described by a senior Ukrainian official as having gone “very well,” focused on diplomacy, the ongoing war, and the newly ratified U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.

Trump warned that failure to honor the ceasefire could lead to further sanctions by the U.S. and its partners. Zelenskyy responded by expressing Ukraine’s readiness to engage in talks in “any format,” provided Russia first demonstrates genuine interest by committing to a full and unconditional ceasefire.

Ukraine Reports Massive Ceasefire Violations

Despite the ceasefire rhetoric, Ukrainian officials reported 734 Russian violations within the first 12 hours of President Vladimir Putin’s self-declared truce—marking Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Kyiv’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed the gesture as a “farce,” citing continued shelling and missile strikes across a 1,000-kilometer frontline.

In Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, artillery attacks were reported alongside reduced but ongoing drone and missile activity. One civilian was killed in northeastern Ukraine, and infrastructure in the Poltava region was damaged by a downed Russian missile.

Russia Responds: “Mirroring” Ukraine’s Actions

The Russian defense ministry claimed Ukrainian forces initiated attacks and vowed to “mirror” Ukraine’s military moves. Drone alerts were issued across several Russian regions—including Belgorod and Lipetsk—but no interceptions were reported. Civil aviation in Nizhny Novgorod faced brief restrictions.

On the ground, Ukrainian drone units reported that Russian infantry attempted advances even during the declared ceasefire. “The facts speak for themselves,” said one Ukrainian soldier, noting three strikes in his sector since the ceasefire was supposed to begin.

European Leaders Rally Behind Peace Efforts

In a separate development, Trump also connected with Germany’s newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump reportedly voiced support for Germany and its European partners—France, the UK, and Poland—in pursuing a lasting peace in Ukraine.

Merz reiterated support for Ukraine and hinted at possible military assistance, including Taurus cruise missiles, previously withheld by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

UK Expands Sanctions, Eyes Arctic Security

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new sanctions targeting 100 Russian oil tankers, reportedly involved in transporting over $24 billion in cargo since January. The UK accused these vessels of endangering European subsea infrastructure.

Starmer is set to attend a Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) meeting in Oslo, where Ukraine and Arctic defense will top the agenda. The UK-led alliance—which includes Nordic and Baltic countries—plans to enhance military training and anti-disinformation efforts for Ukraine.

The Bottom Line

While Donald Trump’s diplomatic overture signals renewed U.S. engagement in the Ukraine crisis, events on the ground tell a harsher story. With ceasefires ignored and artillery fire unabated, Kyiv remains skeptical of Russia’s intent—and looks increasingly to the West for concrete support. As both diplomacy and firepower continue to clash, Ukraine’s future may rest on who follows through first: the peacemaker or the aggressor.

Photo: AFP via Getty Images

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