Trump and Putins Phone Call: Immediate Start to Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

Published: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:02 pm

Trump's Push for Ukraine Ceasefire: A Test of Dealmaking Skills

President Donald Trump is attempting to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump announced that ceasefire talks would begin immediately, also speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. This move comes amid growing frustration within the Trump camp over the ongoing conflict, which began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.

While Putin expressed a willingness to continue efforts toward ending hostilities, he noted no significant progress was made during the call. He emphasized the need for compromises. Trump, who has previously claimed he could quickly resolve the conflict, is now facing a serious test of his dealmaking reputation. His team has indicated a willingness to walk away from negotiations if Putin is not serious about a peaceful resolution.

Trump's approach includes leveraging his personal history with Putin and potentially using financial incentives, such as trade deals, to encourage an agreement. However, concerns remain that Trump's perceived affinity for Putin could disadvantage Ukraine. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, resigned last month, citing a policy of pressuring Ukraine rather than Russia.

Despite the calls, a ceasefire has not been achieved. However, there is a commitment to exchange prisoners of war. Zelenskyy has been actively engaging in diplomacy, including talks in Turkey and with U.S. and European leaders, to push for a ceasefire and increased sanctions against Russia.

BNN's Perspective: Trump's renewed focus on the Ukraine conflict presents both opportunities and risks. While his personal relationship with Putin could potentially facilitate dialogue, his past statements and perceived biases raise concerns about the fairness of any potential agreement. The success of these efforts hinges on Putin's willingness to compromise and Trump's ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape while prioritizing a just and lasting peace.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Ukraine, Russia, ceasefire, peace talks, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, war, negotiations, sanctions, prisoner exchange, Bridget Brink, Joe Biden, JD Vance, Karoline Leavitt, Steve Witkoff, conflict, diplomacy, European leaders, Turkey, Istanbul, Middle East

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