Zelensky reveals details of conversation with Trump: sanctions, Putin and peace
19 May 22:41
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump had two phone conversations in different formats. They discussed, in particular, the ceasefire and US sanctions against Russia. He said this during a briefing with journalists, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“I spoke with US President Donald Trump twice today. First, we called separately before his conversation with the Russian leader, and then we spoke with President Trump together with European leaders: Emmanuel Macron, George Maloney, Friedrich Merz, Alexander Stubb, Ursula von der Leyen,” Zelenskyy said.
The main topic of the talks was the cessation of hostilities. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of achieving peace and called for increased sanctions pressure on Russia if it does not support the ceasefire. According to him, he appealed to Trump with a request:
“And I asked him (Trump – Ed.) to think about it and apply it if Russia does not support the ceasefire and does not want to end this war.”
Another key point was the issue of Ukraine’s participation in any decisions regarding its future. Zelenskyy emphasized that it was important for Ukraine that no decisions were made without its participation
“Third, I asked him before his conversation with Putin not to make decisions about Ukraine without us. For us, these are fundamental things and very important,” Zelenskyy said.
US President Donald Trump said that Ukraine and Russia intend to start negotiations to end the war.
According to Trump, the parties have agreed to start a dialogue on a ceasefire and conflict resolution, and he noted that he “has details that no one else knows.”
The politician also said that he had already informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian and German Prime Ministers George Meloni and Friedrich Merz, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb about the possible talks.
Trump added that the two-hour conversation with Putin was held in “great tone and spirit.” He also noted that Russia, in his opinion, is interested in future trade cooperation with the United States after the war, which will create economic opportunities for both countries.
For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the conversation with Trump “meaningful, frank and generally useful.”
According to him, Moscow is ready to work with Ukraine on a potential memorandum on a peaceful settlement if compromises are reached that suit both sides.
