After phone call with Selenskyj: Trump calls for ceasefire and threatens sanctions

US President Trump is threatening new sanctions if a 30-day ceasefire is not agreed in Russia's war against Ukraine. He previously spoke by phone with Kyiv's President Zelensky and Chancellor Merz. In his threat, he envisages a joint response with partners.

US President Donald Trump is calling on both sides in Russia's war against Ukraine to agree to a prolonged ceasefire. "The US is ideally calling for a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire," the US president stated on his online service Truth Social. Both states would bear responsibility for compliance. If the ceasefire is not observed, "the US and its partners will impose further sanctions." The post follows telephone conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

In his post, Trump expressed himself in a generally moderate tone. He wrote that talks with Russia and Ukraine would continue. "As President, I will continue to work with the Europeans for peace between Russia and Ukraine—and for a lasting peace!" The ceasefire he called for must lead to a peace agreement. This could all happen very quickly. He stated that he was "available at any time should my services be needed." Russia had recently announced a brief ceasefire for the World War II commemoration period.

Zelensky stated on his social media channels that he had informed the US president "that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire, even today." He also assured Trump of Ukraine's readiness for "talks in any format." However, in order to conduct negotiations, according to Zelensky, Moscow must first "prove the seriousness of its intention to end the war." An unconditional ceasefire would be the beginning of this.

According to Zelensky, the phone call with Trump also addressed the raw materials agreement between Ukraine and the United States. The agreement was negotiated for a long time and amended at Ukraine's request before being signed at the end of April. On Thursday evening, the Ukrainian parliament ratified the agreement. It concerns the joint production of oil, gas, and minerals in Ukraine.

An earlier version of the text was originally supposed to be signed at the end of February during Zelensky's visit to Washington. However, a scandal erupted when Trump and his Vice President JD Vance accused the Ukrainian leader of disrespect and a lack of gratitude for US military aid in front of live cameras.

Kyiv had initially hoped that the US would provide a security guarantee to ward off future Russian attacks in return for preferential access to Ukraine's natural resources. Washington, however, rejected this. The now-signed agreement was nevertheless considered a diplomatic success for Kyiv.