Trump, Putin discuss Ukraine as Europe demands ceasefire and warns of sanctions

Trump, Putin discuss Ukraine ceasefire as Europe pushes for urgent truce

After deadly Russian drone attacks, U.S. diplomacy seeks results — but Europe remains skeptical

In a two-hour phone call on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine and prospects for a 30-day ceasefire, with Trump describing the conversation as “excellent” in tone. Despite this optimistic framing, Putin’s remarks suggested only tepid support for the truce and no concrete commitment to end hostilities.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to Trump’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire, Russia launched 385 drones over the weekend — the deadliest attack of its kind since 2022. In Vasylkiv, southwest of Kyiv, 27-year-old Hanna Yefimenko was killed shielding her 4-year-old son Marko during one of the strikes.

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Peace talks overshadowed by Moscow’s demands

Putin praised the “frank and useful” exchange with Trump, but reiterated Moscow’s demand that the “root causes” of the conflict be addressed, which Ukraine and its allies interpret as pressure to accept territorial concessions and a more pro-Russian foreign policy.

The Kremlin continues to insist that Kyiv surrender territory it currently holds and abandon aspirations to join NATO — preconditions that European leaders reject as unacceptable.

Trump, for his part, proposed future trade incentives for Russia, saying that “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the war.” He claimed that Pope Leo XIV had offered to host negotiations at the Vatican.

Ukraine and Europe urge tougher stance on Moscow

Despite Trump’s diplomatic overtures, European officials remain alarmed. On Sunday, leaders from Germany, France, Italy, Finland, and the European Commission urged Trump to increase pressure on Putin. The UK’s Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron warned against rushing into a deal without “substantial Russian concessions.”

Zelensky, speaking after a separate meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome, emphasized the need for an unconditional and immediate ceasefire, warning that delays allow Russia to rebuild its military.

“The killing must stop,” a Ukrainian official told reporters, insisting that Kyiv had made more real moves toward peace than Moscow.

Russia offers prisoner swap, but no ceasefire deal

Last week’s Istanbul peace talks led only to a prisoner exchange — 1,000 on each side — and an agreement to continue negotiations. While some European diplomats hoped the U.S. would issue an ultimatum if Russia refused to halt attacks, Trump’s call with Putin disrupted that plan.

Putin has made it clear that without Ukraine ceding territory or halting military recruitment and arms imports, Russia will not accept a ceasefire. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated on Monday that Russia launched the 2022 invasion after NATO refused to meet its demands, but claimed the Kremlin now preferred “political and diplomatic means” if U.S. mediation could secure Moscow’s goals.

U.S. stance unclear as pressure builds

Trump has indicated frustration with the conflict and, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, is “weary of both sides.” However, critics argue that the administration’s mixed messages — calling for peace while pressuring Ukraine to concede — favor Russia without guaranteeing long-term security.

In Ukraine, there’s deep skepticism. Lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko warned that Trump may believe he has influence over Putin, but “in reality, Putin is simply using him,” undermining U.S. credibility and strength.

Related: Trump and Europe clash on Ukraine strategy amid ceasefire talks

Next steps: sanctions or concessions?

European leaders say this week is crucial. Ursula von der Leyen, head of the EU executive branch, said the coming days could define whether diplomacy succeeds or whether new economic sanctions are needed to force Russia into a ceasefire.

While Washington has not ruled out pressure tactics, Trump’s remarks suggest a preference for economic diplomacy and deal-making, rather than ultimatums. As of now, Putin has shown no signs of accepting an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, raising fears that the talks are being used as a stalling tactic by Moscow.

For Ukrainians like Serhiy Boiko, whose home was destroyed in the drone attacks, hopes for peace are fragile. “During these so-called ceasefires, they just build more drones, and civilians end up paying the price,” he said. “What we need is real peace — and real security guarantees.”

Stay with The Horizons Times for continuing coverage of the Ukraine conflict, U.S.–Russia relations, and international diplomacy efforts.