Trump hopes for ceasefire progress in Russia-Ukraine war in Monday calls with Putin and Zelenskyy
Associated PressMAY 4
Trump, Putin Hold Two-Hour Phone Call
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his meeting with students at the Sirius Education Center For Talented Children,on May 19, 2025 in Sirius, Russia. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
In just months, Trump's decisive leadership has put this war on the precipice of ending. With immediate ceasefire talks now set, Ukraine and Russia eager to end the war, and both the Vatican and NATO offering to help, it appears Trump is about to finalize his promise to resolve this "bloodbath" and foster trade.
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump is overstating the facts. His call didn't yield a ceasefire commitment, only vague promises of future talks. Putin's maximalist demands and recent drone attacks, meanwhile, show little eagerness for peace, while Trump's past concessions to Russia raise fears he's too soft on Putin.
Pro-Russia narrative
While this call certainly paves the way for peace talks, the United States and Ukraine must now show respect for Russia during negotiations. This means fulfilling several demands, including Ukrainian withdrawal from several regions and a pledge to never admit Ukraine into NATO. These criteria address the war's root cause.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Despite Russia's continued invasion, Zelensky also welcomed this phone call. However, details of the proposed memorandum remain unclear, meaning a ceasefire may precede a full end to the war, allowing talks to progress. Russia must also compromise, especially on territorial demands.