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President Donald Trump called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on Thursday.
The president shared the plea in a post to his Truth Social account, warning of potential sanctions.
“Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue. 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 wrote.
“If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions. Thousands of young soldiers are dying on a weekly basis, and everybody should want it to STOP. I do, and the United States of America does, also,” he continued.
“As President, I will stay committed to securing Peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with the Europeans, and a Lasting Peace it will be! 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” the president concluded.
Trump has expressed a desire to bring the war in Ukraine to an end but warned that his administration could walk away from mediation efforts if both sides don’t make meaningful progress.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that during a phone conversation with Trump, he conveyed Ukraine’s willingness to implement a 30-day ceasefire with Russia “starting this minute.”
Zelenskyy emphasized that any path toward peace must begin with Russia agreeing to an unconditional ceasefire to show its commitment to ending the conflict.
Ukraine’s foreign minister criticized Russia’s recent proposal for a three-day ceasefire, accusing Moscow of violating the truce just hours after it was announced and dismissing the gesture as a “farce.” Russian officials, meanwhile, claimed Ukrainian forces continued hostilities despite the offer.
The war began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The U.S. recently also signed a deal with Ukraine to establish investment in rare-earth minerals.
The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., following months of efforts by the Trump administration to advance peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia.
“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video posted on X on April 30.