Moscow [Russia] / Washington [US] / Kiev [Ukraine], May 2: Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump discussed a possible temporary ceasefire in the Ukraine war during a phone call on Wednesday, both sides said.
Putin is open to a truce during upcoming World War II commemorations, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov said. Russia traditionally marks victory over Nazi Germany on May 9. Ushakov described the 90-minute conversation as open and businesslike, adding that it took place at Russia's initiative.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said of Putin: "We had a very good conversation, I've known him a long time." Asked in the Oval Office whether the Iran war or Russia's war in Ukraine would end first, Trump said he did not know and suggested both could follow a "similar" timeline. "I think Ukraine, militarily, they're defeated," he added.
Trump also said he believed Putin had been ready for some time to reach a deal. "I think he was ready to make a deal a while ago," he said of Putin.
"I think some people made it difficult for him to make a deal." Trump has shifted his stance on the Ukraine war several times but has repeatedly drawn criticism for positions seen as sympathetic to Russia.
Moscow said Putin outlined his view of the front line situation and accused Kiev of carrying out attacks on civilians, while reiterating Russia's war aims. He would prefer, however, to achieve them through negotiations, the Kremlin said.
Ukraine, as part of its defensive campaign, has increasingly targeted Russia's oil industry, a key source of funding for Moscow's war effort. Russian strikes, meanwhile, continue to kill civilians in Ukraine almost daily and destroy homes and critical infrastructure.
A three-day ceasefire was observed during last year's World War II commemorations. Several attempts at temporary truces have been made during the more than four-year war, with both sides accusing each other of violations, most recently around the Orthodox Easter holiday two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States will contribute $100 million toward repairs to the protective structure over the damaged reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
Zelensky described the pledge as an important step of support from the US and expressed gratitude in a post on X.
More than $583 million will be needed for the repairs after a Russian drone damaged the steel arch covering the reactor last year, Zelensky said.
Source: Qatar Tribune