On May 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he and his advisers have recently held productive discussions concerning Russia and Ukraine, though he did not provide specific details. Speaking to reporters upon his return to the White House after a weekend in Florida, President Trump responded to a question about whether he plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during an upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia. He indicated that he had not considered it yet but emphasized that recent conversations on the matter had been positive.
President Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, during a visit to Prague on May 4, emphasized that a ceasefire in Ukraine’s over three-year conflict with Russia could be implemented immediately. Zelenskiy urged Kyiv’s allies to intensify pressure on Moscow, expressing frustration that Russia had ignored a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for 54 days. He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s symbolic three-day ceasefire (May 8–10) and called instead for a minimum 30-day unconditional truce to enable diplomatic progress.
In a recent impromptu meeting at Pope Francis’ funeral in the Vatican, President Trump and President Zelenskiy had what Zelenskiy described as their most productive discussion. They addressed key issues including air defense systems, sanctions on Russia, and a proposed 30-day ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow as a step toward ending the war in Ukraine. Zelenskiy praised Trump’s strong stance on sanctions, though he did not elaborate on specifics.
Despite these discussions, senior Trump administration officials have acknowledged the growing unlikelihood of securing a Ukraine peace deal in the immediate future, shifting their strategy to increase pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow. Originally, President Trump aimed for a full ceasefire by April or May, followed by a lasting peace deal. However, ongoing conflicts suggest a prolonged war, necessitating more Western support for Ukraine’s military.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to negotiate with President Trump, stating that Russia is prepared for discussions and compromises regarding the Ukraine conflict. However, he dismissed assertions that Russia is in a weak position, emphasizing that Russian forces are advancing towards achieving their primary goals in Ukraine.
Source: Reuters
