Trump calls for 30-day ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war, warns of sanctions

US President Donald Trump on Thursday called for an immediate 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, signalling a renewed push for diplomacy amid the ongoing war. Trump also warned that any failure to comply would trigger tougher sanctions from the United States and its allies.

In a post on social media, Trump said: “Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue. The US calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations.”

Trump added, “If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions.”

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he told US President Donald Trump in a telephone call that Kyiv was ready for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia “starting this minute.”

Zelenskyy, speaking in his nightly video address, also said implementing a 30-day ceasefire, as first proposed by Washington in March, would be a “real indicator” of movement towards peace.

The Ukrainian president said Russia had to demonstrate its readiness to end the war, starting with an unconditional ceasefire.

Zelensky further noted that Ukraine and the US are “waiting for Russia to support this proposal.” “I also reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to engage in talks in any format,” Zelenskyy said. “But for that, Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the war, starting with a full unconditional ceasefire,” Zelenskyy.

A temporary ceasefire is already in place after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a three-day unilateral truce to coincide with the country’s Victory Day celebrations, marking 80 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany.

The ceasefire, which began at 9:00 PM GMT on Wednesday, was declared by the Kremlin as a symbolic gesture tied to one of Russia’s most significant national holidays. It comes amid ongoing international calls for a broader cessation of hostilities, including a recent proposal by Trump for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.