**US President Trump Pushes for Direct Talks between Ukraine and Russia, Zelensky Says**
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, US President Donald Trump has been pushing for direct talks between the two nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made this announcement on May 19 during a press briefing in Kyiv.
**First Direct Talks since 2022 Held without Breakthrough**
The Ukrainian and Russian delegations held their first direct talks since 2022 on May 16, but unfortunately, no breakthrough was achieved. The negotiations were centered around the demand by Moscow that Ukraine withdraw its troops from four partially occupied Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – which Russia claims as its own.
**Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire Discussions**
During a call with Trump on May 19, Zelensky mentioned that the two leaders discussed a potential prisoner exchange. According to Zelensky, a 1,000-for-1,000 exchange will happen in the next days or weeks, with civilians not included in the list. Additionally, Ukraine wants to discuss with Russia the release of Ukrainian political prisoners and journalists.
Regarding a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, Zelensky stated that Russia will deliver a memorandum with its proposals. However, it’s clear that Ukraine is not willing to compromise on its demands. Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not withdraw its troops from the partially Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories as demanded by Russia.
**International Peace Talks in Sight**
Zelensky expressed his desire for international peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the EU. He mentioned that such meetings could take place in Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland. This development suggests a growing willingness to engage with the international community to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
**Trump’s Role in Pushing for Direct Talks**
It is clear that US President Trump has played a significant role in pushing for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. His efforts have been welcomed by Zelensky, who sees this as an opportunity to resolve the ongoing conflict. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will lead to a lasting peace or simply another episode in the long-standing dispute.
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