Ukraine is ready for negotiations: Zelenskyy talks about phone conversation with Trump
8 May 23:34
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about his phone conversation with 45th US President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders discussed a number of important issues, including the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine, the ratification of an economic agreement, and the joint commemoration of Victory Day over Nazism, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Commemorating the victory over Nazism
The conversation began with congratulations on the occasion of Victory Day in Europe, which symbolizes the triumph over Nazism in World War II.
“I had a good conversation with President Trump. We congratulated our peoples on the Victory Day in Europe – the victory over Nazism,” Zelenskyy said.
Economic partnership: a historic agreement
One of the key topics was congratulations on the ratification of the economic partnership agreement with the United States by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Zelenskyy called the document “truly historic,” as it opens up new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. The agreement will help attract investment, develop the economy, and strengthen bilateral relations.
The road to peace: a ceasefire proposal
Much of the conversation was devoted to the issue of achieving peace in Ukraine. Zelenskyy briefed Trump on the current situation on the battlefield and emphasized that Ukraine was ready for an immediate 30-day ceasefire.
“We discussed the need for further efforts for peace, including concrete steps that can be taken. President Trump asked about the situation on the battlefield, and I briefed him. I also informed him that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire, even from today,” the President of Ukraine said, adding that Russia’s consent is required to implement this step.
Zelenskyy also reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations in any format, but emphasized that Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions by starting with a full and unconditional ceasefire.
“I also confirmed that Ukraine is ready for negotiations in any format. But for this to happen, Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the war, starting with a complete and unconditional ceasefire,” the Ukrainian president said.
Trump’s position: support for peace
President Trump, for his part, expressed a clear position on the need to end the war. He reaffirmed the United States’ readiness to support Ukraine and facilitate the implementation of ceasefire initiatives.
The two leaders agreed to keep in touch to coordinate efforts in this area.
Zelenskyy later posted a video saying that the conversation focused on coordinating efforts to end the war. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of American support, saying:
“We talked with President Trump about joint actions: about the support of the United States of America, which is so needed, about pressure on Russia – pressure for peace.”
The conversation also touched on the situation at the front and diplomatic efforts that could help stop the war.
“We discussed the situation at the front. We discussed diplomatic work,” the President added.
The key signal from the Ukrainian side was the readiness for an immediate ceasefire – for at least 30 days. The President emphasized that Ukraine was ready for silence today.
“Ukraine is ready for a complete ceasefire right today, right from this minute – for 30 days of silence. Only for real. So that there are no missile and drone strikes and so that there are no hundreds of assaults on the front,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
At the same time, the Head of State emphasized that a response from Russia is needed – a response that will prove the seriousness of its intentions.
“We need the Russians to respond adequately – to support the ceasefire. They must prove their readiness to end the war. And this is not the first time we have offered this,” the president said.
Zelenskyy also called the ceasefire “a real indicator of the movement towards peace” and appealed to the United States as a country whose support is critical at this moment.
“Thirty days that could be the beginning of years of peace. It is the ceasefire, long-lasting and reliable, that will be the real indicator of the movement towards peace. America can help with this. The world needs America just as much as it did 80 years ago,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summarized, referring to the historical role of the United States in the fight for freedom during World War II.
