On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his demand for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, urging Russia to immediately end its military aggression or risk facing new rounds of sanctions. The renewed call came after a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as Trump attempts to cast himself as a potential mediator in the ongoing conflict. His appeal highlights increasing international impatience with both Kyiv and Moscow over the stalled conflict.

In a renewed diplomatic push, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Russia to agree to an immediate, 30-day unconditional ceasefire with Ukraine, warning that any violations would trigger additional sanctions from the United States and its allies. The proposal, announced following a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signals Trump’s attempt to reassert U.S. influence in resolving the protracted conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire, stating: “Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue. The US calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. If the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions.” The statement underscores Trump’s intention to position himself as a mediator in the geopolitical crisis, amid mounting concerns over stalled negotiations and escalating violence on the battlefield.

Trump added that both nations would be held accountable for maintaining the integrity of direct negotiations aimed at ending the war. “Both countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations,” he declared, underscoring the United States’ expectation for genuine commitment from both Moscow and Kyiv.

President Zelensky welcomed the initiative and promptly urged Moscow to respond positively. Writing on social media, Zelensky declared Ukraine’s readiness to implement a complete ceasefire immediately: “Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire starting right now, from this very moment – a 30-day silence. But it must be real. No missile or drone strikes, no hundreds of assaults on the front.” The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Russia must prove its genuine willingness to end the war through action, not rhetoric.

Despite Ukraine’s endorsement of the U.S. proposal as early as March, Moscow has remained unyielding. Russian officials have largely dismissed the plan, viewing it as an unnecessary concession at a time when they believe their forces are gaining strategic advantages on the ground, especially as American military support for Ukraine has slowed under Trump’s administration.

In a symbolic gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a limited three-day ceasefire beginning Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The commemoration included a large-scale military parade in Moscow, which was notably attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the viability of a sustained ceasefire remains uncertain. Still, the renewed U.S. appeal signals a renewed push for de-escalation in a conflict that has caused immense human and geopolitical costs.