In a lengthy phone call lasting over 90 minutes, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with Russia's Victory Day on May 9. The conversation included U.S. President Donald Trump, who, according to Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov and reported by EFE, supported the initiative.
Trump was the one to introduce the idea of a truce during their discussion. "I suggested a bit of a ceasefire, and I think he might do it. He might announce something related to that," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. The Kremlin described the call as "friendly and businesslike."
Expressing optimism about the prospects for peace, Trump stated, "We had a very good conversation. I think we're going to reach a solution relatively quickly. I hope," though he did not specify any timelines or concrete mechanisms.
The dialogue also touched on the situation with Iran, with Putin offering to engage in negotiations over Iran's nuclear enrichment. However, Trump emphasized his primary concern: "I would much prefer you get involved in ending the war with Ukraine. For me, that would be more important."
Trump also highlighted the human cost of the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over four years since Russia's large-scale invasion in February 2022: "So many people are dying. It's so ridiculous."
However, the proposal was met with skepticism by Ukraine and Western nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outright rejected it, calling it a "manipulation" and accusing the Kremlin of "deceiving the U.S." with short truces designed solely to protect the May 9 military parade in Moscow from potential Ukrainian attacks.
"We value human lives, not parades," Zelensky declared, reiterating his demand for an unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days immediately.
The Atlantic Council criticized the Russian proposal as a "three-day pause" with cynical motivations, highlighting that Russia omitted tanks from the parade for the first time since the invasion began, precisely due to fears of Ukrainian attacks. The European Commission also denounced the initiative, noting that Russia could halt the bombings "at any time, without waiting for May 8."
Putin has previously used brief truces linked to symbolic dates, such as the Orthodox Easter ceasefire from April 11 to 12, 2026, a practice consistently denounced by Ukraine and Western observers as being violated by Russian forces.
On a broader diplomatic level, Ukraine accepted a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in March 2025, with Zelensky expressing readiness to work with Trump for peace in the early months of the new U.S. administration. Trump and Putin also held a summit in Alaska in August 2025, which did not yield any concrete agreements.
Tensions surrounding May 9 were further heightened by threats from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who warned Zelensky against "verbal provocations" on that day, stating "no one guarantees May 10 will come in Kyiv." Meanwhile, Putin has proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul for May 15, a proposal Zelensky has conditioned on a prior truce.
Questions About the Proposed Ceasefire in Ukraine
What is the significance of the proposed ceasefire date, May 9?
May 9 is Russia's Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. It is a highly symbolic date in Russia.
Why did Ukraine and Western nations react skeptically to the ceasefire proposal?
Ukraine and Western nations suspect the proposal is a manipulation by Russia to protect its Victory Day celebrations and do not believe Russia's intentions are genuine.
How has Russia previously approached ceasefires in the Ukraine conflict?
Russia has previously declared short-term ceasefires linked to symbolic dates, which Ukraine and observers criticize as being violated by Russian forces.