U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, pushing for an end to the ongoing war. “Get this stupid war finished,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, emphasizing his desire for both sides to halt hostilities. His remarks follow a warning from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv about a possible major Russian airstrike in the coming days, urging U.S. citizens to be ready to shelter immediately if an air alert is issued.
The White House reported a "very good and productive" call between Trump and Zelenskiy on Thursday. Trump is reportedly hopeful that Ukraine and Russia will agree to the ceasefire proposal next week. Despite speculation, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump will not meet with Putin during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
In Kyiv, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, confirmed discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other American officials, including Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg. The talks focused on the ceasefire plan and broader peace negotiations. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also participated in the call.
The Biden administration, while not publicly involved in the proposed ceasefire, continues to monitor the situation closely amid rising concerns of a fresh Russian offensive. Trump’s renewed diplomatic push comes as he prepares for his Middle East trip, where foreign policy and energy security are expected to dominate discussions.
With tensions escalating and civilians at risk, calls for a pause in the fighting are gaining traction. Trump’s initiative, though unofficial, could pressure both Kyiv and Moscow to consider a temporary halt in the conflict, offering a possible path toward broader peace talks.