19.05.2025 23:51
After his meeting with U.S. President Trump, Ukrainian leader Zelensky made a statement. Zelensky said, "There could be a memorandum in a bilateral format to be signed by Russia and Ukraine, which could lead to ending the war, that is, a roadmap towards a complete agreement. This memorandum, supported by both countries, will also include ceasefire provisions."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a statement following a phone call with U.S. President Trump. Zelensky said, "There could be a memorandum in a bilateral format to be signed by Russia and Ukraine, which could lead to a roadmap for ending the war, that is, a complete agreement. This memorandum, supported by both countries, will also include ceasefire provisions."
TRUMP MET WITH ZELENSKY
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made statements after his phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelensky announced that as part of diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., EU countries, and the UK could hold a high-level meeting in Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland. Zelensky expressed hope that the meeting would take place as soon as possible, stating, "We are considering bringing all teams together at a high level."
"NO AGREEMENT WITH RUSSIA WITHOUT UKRAINE"
Zelensky stated that he had a phone call with Trump before Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and then he spoke again with Trump in a meeting that included leaders from France, Finland, Germany, Italy, and the European Union. In his first conversation with Trump, he emphasized the importance of not reaching an agreement with Russia without Ukraine, as well as ceasefire and sanctions against Russia. Zelensky said, "Before his meeting with Putin, I asked him not to make any decisions about Ukraine without us. These are principle issues for us and very important."
"WE EXPECT EUROPE TO ANNOUNCE A NEW SANCTIONS PACKAGE AGAINST RUSSIA"
Zelensky stated that he expects Europe to announce a "strong" new sanctions package against Russia and called on the U.S. to impose sanctions on Russia's banking and energy sectors.
NEW PRISONER EXCHANGE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE
Zelensky also said that he hopes a large prisoner exchange, which was agreed upon in principle during the talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on May 16, will take place within days or weeks.
"A MEMORANDUM COULD LEAD TO A ROADMAP FOR ENDING THE WAR"
Zelensky noted that Russia and Ukraine could sign a memorandum, which could later lead to an official agreement that would end the war. He stated, "There could be a memorandum in a bilateral format, which could lead to a roadmap for ending the war, that is, a complete agreement. This memorandum, supported by both countries, will also include ceasefire provisions."
At this stage, Zelensky mentioned that the content of a possible memorandum with Russia is not yet known, saying, "In any case, if the Russian side proposes a memorandum, I don't think it will remain a secret. Such information tends to emerge in the public domain. I believe we can formulate our vision after receiving Russia's proposals."
TRUMP: RUSSIA AND UKRAINE WILL START CEASEFIRE NEGOTIATIONS IMMEDIATELY
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call that lasted more than two hours. Trump stated that the conversation went very well, saying, "Russia and Ukraine will start ceasefire negotiations immediately."
Putin described the conversation as comprehensive, sincere, and beneficial, stating, "We agreed that the Russian side is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum that defines a series of positions such as the principles of resolution with the U.S. President and the timing of a possible peace agreement. If appropriate agreements are reached, a ceasefire for a certain period will also be included."