US President Donald Trump has welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer of a temporary truce to mark Victory Day celebrations next month. Trump stated that he and Putin discussed 'a little bit of a ceasefire' in the war in Ukraine during what he described as a 'very good' phone call.
Details of the Phone Call
Putin had announced a similar three-day truce last year for 9 May, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany, but it was not accepted by Ukraine. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov revealed that the telephone call lasted over 90 minutes and was 'conducted in a friendly manner, candid and business-like.' He added: 'Trump actively supported this initiative, noting that the holiday marks our common victory over Nazism in World War Two.' Ushakov further stated: 'Donald Trump believes that a deal to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine is already close.'
Russia Scales Down Victory Day Parade
This year, Russia is again scaling back its annual Victory Day parade in Red Square, confirming that no military equipment will be displayed due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Trump's Baseless Claim on Ukraine
On Wednesday, after the phone call, Trump made an unsubstantiated claim that Ukraine is 'militarily defeated.' Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office while meeting with astronauts from the Artemis II mission, Trump said he discussed a temporary ceasefire for the World War Two anniversary. He then asserted, without evidence, that Kyiv had been 'militarily defeated.' Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression across the front line, with no significant territorial gains by Moscow in recent months. Trump remarked: 'We had a good talk, I've known him a long time.' Their last publicly reported call was on 9 March, though Trump indicated they speak regularly.
Kremlin's Position on Ceasefire
During the call, Putin proposed the temporary ceasefire for 9 May. Ushakov noted that Putin told Trump that Russian forces in Ukraine 'hold the strategic initiative and are pressing on enemy positions.' Putin also 'clearly said that Kyiv was resorting to openly terrorist methods by attacking civilian sites on Russian territory,' referencing frequent Ukrainian strikes on key infrastructure, particularly in Russia's oil sector.
EU Considers Benefits for Ukraine
EU members are exploring a package of short-term benefits for Ukraine as fast-track full membership appears unlikely. Interim perks could include greater market access and deeper participation in EU programmes, according to four diplomats. This follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's rejection of 'symbolic' membership suggested by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. One diplomat mentioned 'accelerated gradual integration,' bringing Ukraine into shared markets and institutions gradually. Another proposal from Lithuania suggests granting Kyiv 'acceding state' status to show progress. EU leaders in March rejected the European Commission's 'reverse enlargement' proposals that would allow Ukraine to join without major reforms. 'From the moment of the dinner… member states have been clear it would be very difficult to see membership in the short term,' a diplomat said. 'But we need to have a positive offer for how we can better move forward together before then.'
Zelensky on Domestic Weapons Production
President Zelensky announced that Ukraine is producing a surplus of up to 50 per cent for some weapon types, as part of defence cooperation with the Middle East, Gulf, Europe, and Caucasus. These deals involve drones, missiles, technology, and software. Kyiv has also proposed cooperation with the US on drones, defence systems, and other weapons for air, land, and sea use.
Trump Confuses Ukraine and Iran Wars
During a question-and-answer session, Trump mixed up the wars in Ukraine and Iran. He said: 'I talked about Ukraine, and I talked a little bit about Iran. I talked about few different subjects, mostly about Ukraine, and we had a very good conversation. I think we're going to come up with a solution relatively quickly.' Trump stated that Putin would 'like to be involved' with resolving Iran's enriched uranium issue, which the US opposes, and that he told Putin he'd prefer him to be 'involved with ending the war with Ukraine.'
EU Loan Conditions
The European Union is considering stricter conditions on its €90 billion loan to Ukraine, including making some payouts dependent on an unpopular tax change for businesses, Bloomberg reported. The plan would affect €8.4 billion in macro-financial assistance expected this year.
Drone Attack on Russian Oil Refinery
A Ukrainian drone strike sparked a massive fire at a Russian oil refinery in Tuapse on Tuesday, the third attack on the Black Sea port facility in two weeks. Ukraine's military claimed responsibility, aiming to disrupt Russia's oil and gas industry, a key source of funding for the war. Putin stated: 'Drone attacks against civilian infrastructure are becoming more frequent. The latest example is the strike against energy facilities in Tuapse, which could potentially cause serious environmental consequences.'
