Trump and Putin Talk for More Than Two Hours on Ceasefire/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke for over two hours, aiming to jumpstart Ukraine ceasefire efforts. Trump says Russia and Ukraine will ‘immediately’ start ceasefire negotiations after ‘excellent’ call with Putin. Moscow claims it’s open to peace; the U.S. expresses frustration with both Russia and Ukraine. Trump faces pressure to fulfill his promise to end the war.
Trump-Putin Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Quick Looks
- Trump and Putin speak for over two hours on Ukraine.
- Russia says it’s ready to compromise for a peaceful settlement.
- Trump expresses growing frustration with both Ukraine and Russia.
- VP Vance signals U.S. may walk away if talks stall.
- Trump seeks results, not prolonged diplomacy; trade also discussed.
- Former Ambassador Bridget Brink criticizes Trump’s pressure on Ukraine.
- Sanctions and economic leverage may be part of U.S. strategy.
- Putin refused in-person talks with Zelenskyy in Turkey.
- Both sides agree to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war.
- Largest Russian drone assault since 2022 hits Ukrainian cities.
Deep Look: Trump and Putin Hold Lengthy Call as U.S. Seeks Breakthrough in Ukraine Ceasefire
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2025 — President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke for more than two hours Monday, engaging in what both sides described as serious, high-level diplomacy amid growing urgency to end the war in Ukraine. Trump says Russia and Ukraine will ‘immediately’ start ceasefire negotiations after ‘excellent’ call with Putin.
Trump also spoke with with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in hopes of making progress toward a ceasefire.
“The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of,” Trump said in a social media post. The conversations came after the White House said the U.S. leader has grown “frustrated” with both leaders over the continuing war in Ukraine.
According to the Kremlin, Putin emerged from the conversation saying Russia was open to a “peaceful settlement” and emphasized the need for “mutual compromise.” He called the discussion with Trump “frank and meaningful.” The White House has yet to release its full readout of the call, though officials previously signaled that Trump is “growing frustrated” with the lack of progress on all fronts.
“The US president expressed his position on the secession of hostilities, ceasefire, and from my end, I have emphasized that Russia stands for peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis. We just need to outline the most effective routes of moving towards peace,” Putin said while speaking to reporters.
Trump Seeks Ceasefire, But Is Willing to Walk Away
Ahead of the call, Trump expressed hope that Monday would be a “productive day” toward achieving a ceasefire. Vice President JD Vance underscored that Trump’s patience is wearing thin.
“If Putin isn’t serious, we’re prepared to walk away,” Vance told reporters after meeting with Pope Leo XIV in Rome. He reiterated that Trump wants clear outcomes, not drawn-out negotiations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the message, stating: “He’s grown weary and frustrated with both sides of the conflict. He wants a ceasefire—now.”
A Test of Trump’s Diplomatic Identity
The lengthy call represents a significant moment for Trump, who campaigned on promises to end the war swiftly, claiming he could achieve peace “before taking office.” Now, midway through his second term, the conflict continues—testing his credentials as a dealmaker.
Trump’s team believes his personal rapport with Putin might be the key to breaking the stalemate. “Getting on the phone with Putin is the fastest way to cut through the logjam,” said Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy for the Ukraine crisis.
Criticism Over Trump’s Approach to Ukraine
Trump’s relationship with Putin continues to raise concerns among critics. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who resigned last month, accused the administration of “pressuring the victim instead of the aggressor.”
Brink cited a February Oval Office meeting where Trump allegedly chastised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for lacking deference. “Peace at any price isn’t peace,” Brink said. “It’s appeasement.”
Trade and Sanctions Also on the Table
In a Truth Social post over the weekend, Trump said he would press Putin to stop the “bloodbath.” He also hinted that trade could be used as leverage, suggesting a potential economic angle to any peace deal.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the U.S. could increase sanctions if Putin fails to negotiate in good faith. He criticized Biden-era sanctions for allowing Russia to maintain oil revenues while avoiding inflationary consequences in the U.S.
Ceasefire Talks Stalled, But Prisoner Swap Moves Forward
Recent peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul ended quickly and without resolution. However, both sides did agree to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each—an encouraging sign of limited cooperation.
Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said the transfers could happen as early as this week.
Putin reportedly declined to attend the Istanbul talks in person, with Trump speculating the Russian leader stayed away because “I wasn’t there.”
“He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it—or maybe not,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. “At least we’ll know.”
Zelenskyy Engages with U.S. and European Officials
As Trump engaged Putin, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met in Rome with VP Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and European leaders to present Ukraine’s side of the story. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to “real diplomacy.”
He criticized Russia for sending a “non-decision-making” delegation to the Istanbul talks and said pressure must remain high on Moscow until it is truly ready to end the war.
European Leaders Support Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal
Trump also spoke Sunday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and leaders of France, Britain, and Italy. French President Emmanuel Macron later posted that Putin must demonstrate his commitment to peace by accepting Trump’s proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire—already supported by Ukraine and Europe.
The coordinated outreach appears aimed at strengthening diplomatic pressure on Moscow and reinforcing a unified Western stance.
Drone Attacks Undermine Peace Efforts
Even as Trump and Putin talked peace, Russia escalated military operations on the ground. On Sunday, Ukraine’s air force reported the Kremlin had launched its largest drone barrage since the war began in 2022, firing 273 explosive drones and decoys.
The attacks struck several regions, including Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk—dampening hopes for immediate de-escalation.
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