Trump Pushes for Direct Ukraine-Russia Talks Amid Ceasefire Efforts

May 9—With a three-day Russian-declared truce now in effect in NATO's war against Russia in Ukraine, President Donald Trump, advised by his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, has intensified efforts to force direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

In a Truth Social post yesterday, Trump called for the immediate imposition of a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and the start of direct negotiations to finalize a peace framework developed by Witkoff and Gen. Keith Kellogg, who has been engaging with Ukrainian officials.

Ceasefire and Negotiation Push

Trump’s demand builds on the May 8-11 truce imposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat. Trump hailed the truce as a major step toward peace, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed it as "theatrical" and refused to abide by it.

Although Zelenskyy has agreed to the concept of a 30-day ceasefire, he has not committed to direct negotiations until the ceasefire is in place. Trump insists that negotiations must begin immediately, stating:

"If the (30-day) ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions."

"Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations."

"This ceasefire must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement. It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed."

Proposed Peace Framework

Over the past month, U.S.-mediated discussions have shaped a peace framework, with sources indicating that Putin believes direct talks are now necessary. The framework includes:

• A full stop to the war, with positions held in place.
• No formal recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea or the four eastern Ukrainian oblasts, leaving border negotiations open.
• Withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territories outside the four oblasts, and Ukrainian forces withdrawing from those oblasts.
• An armed international peacekeeping force, with its size, composition, and mission still under discussion.
• A development fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction, with details on size and administration yet to be finalized.
• Review of Ukrainian laws affecting Russian-speaking populations.
• Gradual relief of U.S. and international sanctions imposed after Russia’s February 2022 invasion.

Trump’s Pressure on Zelenskyy

While NATO-aligned media has portrayed Putin as responsible for stalled talks, sources suggest Trump believes Zelenskyy is reluctant to accept territorial concessions to Russia. Trump has reportedly told Zelenskyy:

"You will have to accept this, as it is the reality of a war you and NATO lost to Russia at great cost—a war I would never have allowed to occur."

Trump wants direct talks to begin this week, possibly while he is on a Middle East presidential trip, according to sources.

"He wants the killing to stop," a source said, describing Trump’s constructive conversation with Zelenskyy. Trump reportedly warned:

"I can reason with Putin, but I can't make him stop fighting. But I think I can get him to understand. With you, it's different. If we don't fund you and provide you with weapons, you can't fight. And if you stop fighting, Putin has no reason to fight."

Sources expect Zelenskyy will find a way to begin direct talks soon.