US president Donald Trump on Thursday called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine shortly after his phone call with Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, “Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue. The US. calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.”
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Zelensky earlier confirmed the call and said that Ukraine remains willing to negotiate, but only after a full ceasefire. “I confirmed that Ukraine is ready for negotiations in any format. But for this to happen, Russia must show that it is serious about ending the war, starting with a full and unconditional ceasefire,” he posted on social media. The conversation between the two leaders came just as the Kremlin initiated a symbolic three-day ceasefire to mark Russia’s Victory Day. Starting at midnight on Thursday, the pause is meant to honour the 80th anniversary of the country’s World War II win. But Ukraine swiftly rejected the gesture, labelling it insincere. Kyiv officials have argued that Russia has broken similar agreements in the past. During a 30-hour Easter ceasefire earlier this year, Ukrainian authorities claimed there were hundreds of ceasefire violations by Russian forces.