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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday he held two phone calls with U.S. President Donald Trump and reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for direct negotiations with Russia, naming Türkiye, the Vatican, and Switzerland as potential venues.

In a statement posted on his X account, Zelenskyy said Trump contacted him before speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that a second call took place later in the day with Trump and several European leaders.

“This is a defining moment. The world can now see whether its leaders are truly capable of securing a ceasefire and achieving real, lasting peace,” Zelenskyy said.

He emphasized Ukraine’s openness to an unconditional ceasefire and urged new sanctions on Russia unless it halts its military operations.

“I also reiterated that Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia in any format that brings results. Türkiye, the Vatican, Switzerland — we are considering all possible venues,” he said..

Pressure against ‘unrealistic demands’

Zelenskyy underlined the importance of U.S. and European involvement in any future peace negotiations, warning against American disengagement.

“It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace, because the only one who benefits from that is Putin. I thank everyone who supports this approach,” he said.

The Ukrainian leader stressed that Kyiv has always been ready for peace, but cautioned that continued Russian aggression, refusal to engage in prisoner exchanges, and what he called “unrealistic demands” would require intensified pressure through sanctions by the United States and Europe.

May 19, 2025 11:24 PM GMT+03:00