President Donald Trump said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 29 about a potential ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, with Putin possibly announcing it ahead of Russia’s Victory Day on May 9. Trump expressed uncertainty over whether the Ukraine conflict or the U.S. tensions with Iran would resolve first.
During the conversation, which Trump said lasted over 90 minutes, he suggested a “little bit of a ceasefire” in Ukraine. He told reporters that he believed Putin might accept the proposal and that an announcement could be forthcoming. Russian state news agency TASS reported that Putin indicated readiness to declare a ceasefire for Victory Day, which marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Trump described the call as “a long talk” held in the Oval Office, where he was flanked by Artemis II astronauts at the time. He said, “I suggested a little bit of a ceasefire and I think he might do that. He might announce something having to do with it.”
Asked which conflict might end first, the Ukraine war or the U.S.-Iran tensions, Trump said, “I don’t know, maybe they’re on a similar timetable,” calling it an “interesting question.” Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began more than four years ago, and the U.S. faces volatile relations with Iran.
Trump also stated that Putin had previously expressed willingness to find a solution and “was ready to make a deal a while ago.” He reiterated his optimism about negotiating an end to the Ukraine war, though specific plans or timelines remain unclear.
According to Trump, Putin offered to assist with uranium enrichment issues related to Iran, presumably involving Iran’s nuclear program. Trump declined the suggestion, preferring that Putin concentrate on resolving the conflict in Ukraine. “He told me he’d like to be involved with the enrichment, if he can help us get it,” Trump said. “I said, ‘I’d much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine.’ To me, that would be more important.”
Why it matters
If Russia declares a ceasefire on Victory Day, it could mark a significant diplomatic shift in the protracted conflict in Ukraine. Such a development might influence ongoing international responses and negotiations concerning the war. Additionally, Trump’s remarks highlight the complexities of concurrent geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine and Iran.
Background
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, leading to extensive military conflict and global economic repercussions. The U.S. and its allies have provided support to Ukraine while contending with escalating tensions with Iran, particularly around Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Efforts to broker ceasefires and peace deals have faced repeated challenges.
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Sources
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