Donald Trump asks Putin for ‘bit of a ceasefire’ in Ukraine | World | News
Donald Trump has revealed he suggested a ceasefire to Vlaidmir Putin in the Ukraine war in the latest phone call between the two leaders, while hinting a deal might be close.
The US President was meeting with NASA’s Artemis II astronauts at the Oval Office. He told reporters: “I suggested a little bit of a ceasefire and I think he might do that.” Mr Trump appeared to show optimism that he had got through to Putin, adding: “He might announce something having to do with that.” The US leader claimed his Russian counterpart offered help, but that he then told Putin: “Before you help me I want to end your war.” Mr Trump continued: “We had a good talk, I’ve known him a long time. I think he was ready to make a deal a while ago. I think some people made it difficult for him to make a deal but we talked more about Ukraine.” A Kremlin aide confirmed Mr Trump and Putin spoke during a call that lasted for more than 90 minutes, adding it was “frank and business-like”.
The aide claimed the Russian president was ready “to declare a ceasefire for the duration of Victory Day celebrations”, which “Trump actively supported”.
Russia will celebrate Victory Day on May 9 – an annual event marking the victory over Nazi Germany in World War 2.
However, it comes at a time when Ukraine are intensifying strikes on Russia, hitting military targets, ports and oil facilities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “The Kyiv regime, which is losing ground on the battlefield every day, has now launched full-scale terrorist activity.
“All measures are being taken to minimise the danger.”
The US President recently dismissed Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that Tehran’s offer avoided the core issue of its nuclear programme.
He told Axios: “The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
Mr Trump claimed Iran wants to reach a deal in order to lift the blockade, adding: “They want to settle. They don’t want me to keep the blockade. I don’t want to [lift the blockade], because I don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.”
