'I can't confirm Trump's claim that Putin wants to prolong the war' – Tusk

"I do not confirm such a report. But I do confirm that the situation is difficult, because on the Russian side there is not even the slightest sign of goodwill to quickly agree to a ceasefire and start honest peace negotiations. Both President Trump and our European group of four have clearly stated one condition: an unconditional ceasefire — meaning before any negotiations begin — so that people stop dying," Tusk said.

The Polish prime minister did not take part in the phone call with Trump following his conversation with Putin.

"The Russians, on the other hand, have resorted to their usual tactics: dragging things out and pulling strings behind the scenes to avoid any real commitment to a ceasefire or serious peace talks. The situation is difficult — I wouldn't call it critical, but it has been difficult from the very beginning," Tusk added.

Trump's statement

Earlier, media reports indicated that US President Donald Trump for the first time acknowledged that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ready to end the war against Ukraine because he believes he is "winning." He reportedly made this remark during a phone call with European leaders.

"Although Trump appears to have realized that Putin is not ready for peace, this has not led him to do what, according to European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he should do: double down on the fight against Russia," The Wall Street Journal emphasized.

The May 19 phone call included Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.