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Russia must end war it started: Zelenskyy writes on X after speaking with Trump, European leaders

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 19 May 2025, 11:49 pm

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had a telephone conversation with American counterpart Donald Trump and other European leaders over the issue of ceasefire, on Tuesday said Russia must end the war it started.

Zelenskyy wrote on X: "I spoke with @POTUS twice today. First, we had a one-on-one call before his conversation with the head of Russia, and later we spoke together with President Trump and European leaders President @EmmanuelMacron, Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni, Federal Chancellor @bundeskanzler, President @alexstubb, and President of the European Commission @vonderleyen."

He described the conversation with the world leaders as a 'defining moment'.

He further said: "The world can now see whether its leaders are truly capable of securing a ceasefire and achieving real, lasting peace."

"At the beginning of our bilateral conversation, I reaffirmed to President Trump that Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire, as has spoken about, particularly the United States. It is important not to dilute this proposal. If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions. Pressure on Russia will push it toward real peace – this is obvious to everyone around the world," he said.

Zelenskyy said he is ready for direct negotiations with Russia in any format that brings results.

"Türkiye, the Vatican, Switzerland – we are considering all possible venues. It is not necessary to convince Ukraine, and our representatives are prepared to make real decisions in negotiations. What’s needed is a mirrored readiness from Russia to engage in meaningful talks," he said.

Zelenskyy said: "Together with European leaders, we also discussed possible next steps – in particular, meetings between negotiators and an objective assessment of each side’s proposals."

He said: "Every proposal at the table deserves an honest evaluation, that’s why the negotiation process must involve both American and European representatives at the appropriate level."

"It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace, because the only one who benefits from that is Putin. I thank everyone who supports this approach," he said.

He said Ukraine was always ready to reach peace.

"If Russia refuses to stop the killings, refuses to release prisoners of war and hostages, if Putin puts forward unrealistic demands, this will mean that Russia continues to drag out the war, and deserves that Europe, America, and the world act accordingly, including with further sanctions. Russia must end the war it started, and it can begin doing so any day," he said.

'Immediate Negotiations'

Donald Trump on Monday announced that Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations towards a ceasefire following his two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin.

Describing his conversation with President Putin as one that went "very well", he said that the negotiations are a significant step towards the "end of the war".

"Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War. The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of," Trump said in a post on TruthSocial.

Trump said the "tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent".

"If it wasn’t, I would say so now, rather than later. Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic “bloodbath” is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country," he added.

Trump said he has informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the start of negotiations.

Turkey

Representatives from Ukraine and Russia last week held their first direct talks in more than three years, mediated by Turkey.

Russia had then declined to commit to a ceasefire proposal.