Donald Trump issues urgent plea to Russia and Ukraine as Putin makes new proposal
Former President Donald Trump criticized Vladimir Putin for not seeking a ceasefire with Ukraine but instead proposing a meeting in Turkey on May 15 to negotiate an end to the conflict. On Truth Social, Trump urged Ukraine to attend the talks immediately, arguing it would clarify whether a deal is possible. He also mocked Putin for celebrating WWII victory, emphasizing the U.S. role in the war, and pressed for the meeting to happen now.
Putin suggested restarting 2022 peace talks in Istanbul “without preconditions,” claiming Russia is open to serious negotiations. This came after leaders from France, the UK, Germany, and Poland, backed by Trump, proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting May 13. Putin avoided directly addressing their proposal but stated any truce must lead to “lasting peace,” not just allow Ukraine to rearm. Meanwhile, Ukraine accused Russia of violating its own three-day ceasefire for WWII Victory Day. Zelenskyy welcomed the European leaders’ support, while their joint statement insisted an unconditional ceasefire cannot have Russian conditions, which would only prolong the war.
