**Zelensky Corrects Trump on Peace Talks with Russia**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had to remind US President Donald Trump that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are already underway, a call between the two leaders revealed. The conversation took place during a phone call involving leaders from Europe and the European Commission.
According to Axios, which reported on May 20, Trump told EU leaders that Putin was ready for talks, but this was not new information. Zelensky corrected him, saying that direct negotiations had already taken place on May 16 in Istanbul between Kyiv and Moscow. The first round of these talks marked the first direct communication between Ukraine and Russia since 2022.
**Trump Misinterprets Putin’s Statement**
Axios sources reported that Trump was seemingly “surprised” by Putin’s vague promises, which did not change the Kremlin’s position on a ceasefire. Despite this, Trump presented this as new development in the negotiation process. He told the group of leaders that he asked Putin to present terms for a ceasefire and an end to the war, with a “peace memo” expected from the Russian president.
**European Leaders Unimpressed**
The call reportedly left European leaders feeling unimpressed by Trump’s approach. Speaking after his conversation with Putin, Trump stated that imposing additional sanctions on Russia would disrupt peace efforts. However, this stance is at odds with the position of many European leaders who have urged the US to take a stronger stance against Russia.
**Trump’s Diplomatic Deadlock**
The US president has promised to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia within 100 days since taking office. This self-imposed deadline has passed, leading to growing frustration in the White House about the delays in achieving progress. Trump has stated that he is willing to withdraw from the peace process unless significant advancements are made.
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