Trump comments on Putin's idea of a three-day ceasefire in war against Ukraine
Archived photo: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump believes that the proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin for a three-day ceasefire is not that long, but it is "a lot," Trump shared this during a conversation with journalists at the White House.
During a conversation with journalists, Trump reminded of the heavy losses both Russia and Ukraine have suffered on the battlefield.
"I think we've come a long way, and it could be something will happen, but hopefully it will. As you know, President Putin announced a three-day ceasefire, which doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a lot if you knew where we started from," said Trump, recalling that no one had talked to Putin for three years before this.
He still believes that Russia’s war against Ukraine should never have happened.
"You're going to be disappointed when you find out the real number of people that were killed. It's far greater. Many times greater, I believe," Trump said.
New ceasefire from Putin
Recently, Putin, "for humanitarian reasons," announced a temporary ceasefire during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.
It is reportedly set to last from midnight on May 7 to midnight on May 10. During this period, the Russian side promises to "halt all hostilities."
At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire "starting today," but only if Russia is willing to take reciprocal steps.
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Putin's three-day ceasefire is allegedly a "test of Kyiv's readiness" for long-term peace.
Trump's peace efforts
Trump has been attempting to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine to end the war since the beginning of his election campaign.
However, throughout this time, Trump's rhetoric has shifted both toward Ukraine and Russia. Recently, Trump mentioned that Washington "has become closer to one of the sides," but he did not specify whether he meant Ukraine or Russia.
At the same time, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared that, in response to Putin's idea of a three-day ceasefire, Trump stated that he demands a complete cessation of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.
Today, Trump also mentioned that he wants to involve Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
