Trump Presses Putin to End Ukraine 'Bloodbath' in High-Stakes Call

In a pivotal move aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a high-stakes phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, May 19, 2025. The conversation focused on brokering a ceasefire to end the war that has persisted since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

The call came amid escalating violence, with Russia launching its largest drone strike on Ukraine since the war began, deploying 273 drones and decoys, resulting in civilian casualties in the Kyiv region. This aggressive action was perceived as a test of Trump's resolve as he prepared to push for a cessation of hostilities.([ The Times][1])

During the 90-minute conversation, Trump advocated for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, emphasizing the need to halt attacks on energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia. While Putin agreed to pause such attacks, he stopped short of endorsing a broader ceasefire, instead reiterating demands for Ukraine to cease military recruitment and for Western nations to halt arms support to Kyiv. ([Reddit][2], [The Washington Post][3])

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had earlier met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed cautious optimism about the proposed ceasefire but remained skeptical of Russia's intentions. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire, rejecting any proposals that would compromise Ukraine's sovereignty. ([The Guardian][4], [The Washington Post][3])

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have voiced support for the 30-day ceasefire, urging Putin to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace. However, divisions within Europe have emerged, notably with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni opting out of recent high-level discussions, citing Italy's refusal to send troops to Ukraine. ([Cadena SER][5], [The Times][1])

The international community remains watchful as diplomatic efforts continue. While the partial agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure marks a step forward, the path to a comprehensive peace remains fraught with challenges. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether these negotiations can lead to a lasting resolution or if the conflict will persist.([ The Washington Post][3], [Al Jazeera][6])

[1]: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/trump-putin-meeting-russia-ukraine-3qn5mkx08? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Putin taunts Trump with biggest wave of drone strikes on Ukraine"

[2]: https://www.reddit.com/r/centrist/comments/1jefqxk? utm_source=chatgpt.com "5 takeaways from Trump-Putin call on Ukraine ceasefire"

[3]: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/19/trump-putin-call-ukraine-russia-ceasefire/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Trump, Putin to talk as Ukraine, Europe push for immediate ceasefire"

[4]: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/18/ukraine-reports-largest-drone-attack-from-russia-since-war-began? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Zelenskyy meets US vice-president ahead of call with Trump to discuss ending war"

[5]: https://cadenaser.com/nacional/2025/05/19/macron-alienta-a-putin-a-demostrar-que-quiere-la-paz-aceptando-en-su-llamada-de-este-lunes-con-trump-el-alto-el-fuego-de-30-dias-en-ucrania-cadena-ser/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Macron alienta a Putin a \"demostrar que quiere la paz\" aceptando en su llamada de este lunes con Trump el alto el fuego de 30 días en Ucrania"

[6]: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/19/trump-putin-call-what-they-agreed-to-and-whats-next-for-ukraine-war? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Trump-Putin call: What they agreed to and what’s next for Ukraine war | Donald Trump News | Al Jazeera"