Following a conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump proposed a “preferably 30-day unconditional ceasefire.” He added that if this ceasefire isn’t upheld, the US and its allies would implement additional sanctions. In response to the call, Zelensky remarked that Ukraine is open to discussions concerning the war with Russia, but emphasized that “Russia must initiate with a complete and unconditional ceasefire” to demonstrate a genuine commitment to ending hostilities.
According to a senior official from Ukraine, the dialogue between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday went “very well.” The discussion, lasting about 20 minutes, revolved around diplomacy and the potential for a true ceasefire that both the US and Ukraine are striving to achieve, and also touched upon a mineral contract ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament on the same day.
Ukraine has accused Russia of breaching a self-imposed ceasefire, with claims of 734 violations within just the first 12 hours. The foreign minister of Ukraine, Andri Sibikha, characterized this as a “farce.” It appears that the ironic timing of Russia’s ceasefire coincides with parades and events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Germany in World War II.
During the early hours, Russian airstrikes targeted northeastern Ukraine, resulting in the death of at least one civilian. Ukrainian officials noted that while gunfire along a 1,000 km frontline was ongoing, it was less intense compared to the previous day. Overall, Russian forces had conducted 63 attacks along this front, with notable incidents near Chashivyar in the Donetsk region. The Ukrainian Air Force reported significant missile and drone assaults, and regional sources indicated that missiles had struck the Poltava area, damaging local infrastructure.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that Ukrainian forces had attacked their positions, insisting that Russian troops would “respond” to Ukrainian actions amid the Kremlin’s ceasefire. Drone alerts were issued in various Russian regions including Belgorod, Lipetsk, Orenburg, Ryazan, and Tambov, although there were no reports of any drones being intercepted. Meanwhile, the Russian Civil Aviation Authority imposed temporary flight restrictions at Nizhny Novgorod airport.
A Reuters journalist embedded with a Ukrainian drone unit reported that a Russian infantry attempt to advance was thwarted by drone defenses on Thursday. Identifying himself as a 33-year-old soldier named Callign Mikha, he conveyed that infantry movements persisted. Another soldier, identified as Nazar, mentioned experiencing three strikes in their section shortly after the Russian ceasefire was announced. “The facts speak for themselves,” he remarked.
Germany has indicated that Trump expressed his support for European initiatives to resolve the conflict in Ukraine during his initial call with German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz. Trump mentioned that together with partners from France, the UK, Poland, and other European nations, he aims to facilitate lasting peace while actively supporting Germany’s efforts. Merz has shown openness to helping Zelensky by supplying Ukraine with the German Taurus cruise missile.
The UK has announced additional sanctions targeting the Russian shadow fleet of oil tankers. Chief Minister Kiel Starmer stated that the government has sanctioned nearly 100 tankers linked to over $24 billion in cargo since 2024. Additionally, the UK has pointed out that ships are damaging crucial submarine cables in Europe.
Upcoming highlights include a Joint Expedition Team (JEF) meeting in Oslo on Friday, which will address issues related to Ukraine and the Arctic. A British-led military coalition is expected to announce further support for the Ukrainian military, including extensive training programs and measures against disinformation. The JEF includes member states such as Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK.
