**US Leader Trump Urges 30-Day Unconditional Ceasefire in Ukraine**
In a significant development, US President Donald Trump has called for an immediate halt to hostilities in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. In a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 8, Trump renewed his demand for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
Trump’s call for peace comes as Ukraine continues to face heavy fighting with Russian forces. The US leader emphasized that “thousands of young soldiers are dying on a weekly basis” and urged all parties to stop the bloodshed. He also warned that if the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions.
**Ukraine Ready to Cease Fire Immediately**
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy responded positively to Trump’s call for peace, stating that Ukraine is prepared to implement the 30-day ceasefire right away. In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy said that “Ukraine is ready to begin the 30-day ceasefire even starting today. We await Russia’s agreement with this proposal.”
This marked the first direct contact between Trump and Zelenskyy since their meeting in Rome on April 26. The two leaders agreed to maintain further contact following the call, with Zelenskyy confirming that Trump expressed support for ending the war and offered help.
**A Shift in US Policy?**
Trump’s renewed emphasis on a ceasefire marks a shift in his approach to the conflict, which has been criticized for being inconsistent. In March, he temporarily suspended critical intelligence support to Ukraine, sparking concerns about the US’ commitment to Kyiv.
Furthermore, Trump’s proposed peace plan in April raised eyebrows when it included recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and threatening to end US sanctions on Moscow if Ukraine did not agree swiftly. This move was seen as a serious risk that the US might abandon Kyiv altogether.
**Implications for the Conflict**
The call for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire has significant implications for the conflict. If implemented, it could lead to a temporary lull in fighting and provide an opportunity for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
However, experts caution that any agreement would require commitment from both parties, particularly Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized that “Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the war by starting with a full and unconditional ceasefire.”
The ball is now in Russia’s court, as they weigh their response to Trump’s call for peace.
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