Trump Calls on Putin to Agree to Cease-Fire Agreement

April 28, 2025 TruthUSA

The president also commented on his conversation with Zelenskyy at the Vatican, stating, ‘I believe he grasps the situation well, and he seems eager to reach an agreement.’

On April 27, President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease operations in Ukraine and agree to a cease-fire arrangement, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the upcoming week is “crucial” in assessing the U.S. commitment to mediating a resolution.

Trump’s statements followed his discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prior to Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican in Rome on April 26.

Addressing reporters in New Jersey, Trump commented that the meeting “was positive” and that Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s urgent need for additional arms to defend against Russian aggression.

“I perceive him as more composed. I think he comprehends the situation, and I believe he is inclined to negotiate,” the president remarked. “We’ll observe how things unfold in the coming days.”

Zelenskyy characterized the meeting as fruitful and “significantly symbolic,” noting that it could become historic “if we achieve mutual outcomes.”

Trump expressed being “surprised” and “deeply disappointed” that Russia initiated attacks on Ukraine soon after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff’s discussions with Putin in Moscow on April 25.

“I urge him to cease fire, come to the negotiating table, and finalize the agreement,” Trump said, referring to Putin. “We have the framework of the agreement, and I expect him to sign it.”

Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, described the three-hour discussion between Witkoff and Putin as “productive,” although specifics were not divulged. Before heading to Rome on April 25, Trump mentioned that “most key issues” have been settled and that the two countries are “very close” to an agreement.

Meanwhile, Rubio informed NBC’s “Meet the Press” on April 27 that the U.S. might withdraw its mediation efforts if Russia and Ukraine do not reach an understanding.

“I believe they’re closer than ever but still not quite there,” he noted during the interview. “We can’t continue dedicating time and resources to this process if it isn’t going to succeed.”

Rubio emphasized that the following week is “vital” for determining whether the U.S. should persist in the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations or redirect focus elsewhere.

He also indicated that the U.S. may consider actions against those obstructing efforts to conclude the conflict but highlighted a preference to avoid such measures to keep diplomatic avenues open.

Trump voiced disapproval on April 26, criticizing Putin for attacking civilian areas in Ukraine amidst ongoing peace discussions, raising doubts about the Russian leader’s intentions regarding the conflict’s resolution.

“This leads me to wonder if he truly desires to end the war or if he is merely delaying, necessitating a different tactic, potentially involving ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions,’” Trump remarked in a post on Truth Social here.

The conflict in Ukraine has persisted since Putin ordered a large-scale invasion in February 2022. Putin announced an “Easter cease-fire” on April 19, instructing his forces to halt combat activities until midnight on April 20. Both sides subsequently accused one another of breaching the truce, with the Russian military stating on April 21 that it resumed its “special military operation” after the cease-fire concluded.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told CBS News on April 24 that Russia is “open to reaching an agreement” but noted that “certain specific points—components of this agreement—still require adjustment.”

Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine had accepted a U.S. cease-fire proposal 45 days ago and made “a direct request” to Russia for a halt to its strikes on civilian targets but was met with rejection from Russia.

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