Trump calls for 30-day ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war, threatens sanctions
President Donald Trump on Thursday called for an “ideally, 30-day unconditional ceasefire” in the war between Russia and Ukraine, saying both countries should be held accountable if they fail to uphold it.
The demand, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, came shortly after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to sources briefed on the conversation, the two leaders discussed the potential for direct peace talks and how a temporary truce could lay the groundwork.
What is Trump proposing?
What they’re saying:
“Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue,” Trump wrote. “The U.S. calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations.”
Trump added that if the ceasefire is not respected, “the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions.” He emphasized the human toll of the conflict, saying, “Thousands of young soldiers are dying on a weekly basis, and everybody should want it to STOP.”
“As President, I will stay committed to securing Peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with the Europeans,” he continued. “This ceasefire must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement. It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed.”
What is Ukraine’s response?
The other side:
Zelensky confirmed the conversation on X, writing that he and Trump discussed “concrete steps that could be taken” to end the war. He said Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire “starting even today,” and is waiting for Russia to respond.
“I also informed him that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire, starting even today,” Zelensky wrote. “We are waiting for Russia to support this proposal.”
The Ukrainian leader reiterated his willingness to engage in peace talks “in any format,” but said Russia must prove it is serious by first accepting a full and unconditional ceasefire.
What’s changed in Trump’s approach?
Timeline:
Trump previously floated a similar 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Zelensky supported but Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected. In the months that followed, Trump and his team reportedly shifted toward promoting a peace plan that Ukrainian officials viewed as overly favorable to Moscow.
FILE – US President Donald Trump (R) and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin talk as they make their way to take the “family photo” during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit in the central Vietnamese city of Danang on November (Photo by JORGE SILVA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
His latest push marks a return to the ceasefire-first approach and places the U.S. and its allies in a more active role, at least rhetorically, in trying to enforce compliance through the threat of sanctions.
