Trump and Putin hold phone call but Kremlin refuses Ukraine ceasefire [View all]
Source: The Guardian
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have held a rare phone call, which the US leader described as “excellent,” but the Kremlin refused to agree to a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, despite pressure from Washington and European allies.
Speaking to reporters in Sochi after the two-hour conversation on Monday, Putin described the call as “very meaningful and frank,” and said he was prepared to work with Ukraine on drafting a memorandum for future peace talks.
However, the Russian leader declined to support the US-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine had already agreed to – and which Washington had framed as the call’s primary objective.
The Russian leader also suggested that his country’s maximalist objectives in the war with Ukraine remain unchanged.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/19/trump-and-putin-hold-phone-call-but-kremlin-refuses-ukraine-ceasefire
Trump calls it "excellent"; but basically it seems to be that Trump is going to give up. I suppose that might help, overall.
He says the talks show "progress", but suggests it should be left for the warring countries to decide the conditions for a ceasefire between themselves
Vladimir Putin:
The Russian leader tells reporters that Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on reaching a memorandum for peace and is prepared to discuss "compromises" - though he doesn't clarify what this would involve
Volodymyr Zelensky:
Ukraine's president suggests that he is considering a "high-level" meeting between Ukraine, Russia, the US, EU countries and Britain to end the war
Zelensky also urges the US to not distance itself from discussions, adding that "what’s needed is a mirrored readiness from Russia to engage in meaningful talks"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cz9y5xy81jqt?post=asset%3A28e1df79-253c-4c34-acf0-34895cb67819#post
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