US Commander-in-Chief calls for negotiations to halt hostilities as recent missile strikes escalate tensions.
In the wake of renewed military aggression against Ukraine, U.S. President
Donald Trump articulated a stern warning to Russia regarding potential severe consequences if it fails to engage in ceasefire negotiations.
During his remarks, Trump highlighted that substantial financial measures could devastate the Russian economy, but emphasized his preference for peace over punitive actions.
"In a financial sense, yeah, we could do things very bad for Russia.
It would be devastating for Russia.
But I don't want to do that because I want to see peace," he stated, pointing toward the complexities of negotiations involving Ukraine.
United Nations Secretary-General
António Guterres expressed support for U.S. initiatives aimed at fostering peace, stating, "too many people have died." Guterres underscored that a ceasefire could lead to a just resolution of the conflict based on international law and UN resolutions.
The Russian government responded cautiously after reports indicated that Ukraine had accepted a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal.
Kremlin spokespersons indicated the need for further details before issuing a formal response.
Following talks in Saudi Arabia, the Trump administration resumed military supplies to Ukraine, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy backed the ceasefire plan, contingent upon Russian agreement.
President Vladimir Putin has reiterated the need for broader negotiations to ensure a lasting resolution, calling for Ukrainian forces to be ousted from the Kursk region and indicating a possible expansion of Russian territorial ambitions, including the establishment of a security zone along the shared border.
Zelenskyy noted that a U.S.-endorsed ceasefire could open pathways toward a phased end to hostilities, including sought security guarantees for Ukraine.
He affirmed that once martial law is lifted following the cessation of combat, elections will adhere strictly to Ukrainian laws.
In Kryvyi Rih, residents reacted skeptically to the prospects of a ceasefire after a missile strike killed one woman and injured several others.
Local inhabitants expressed doubt about the sincerity of Russian intentions, with one local stating, "Peace talks are possible when not only one, but two sides have the will to end the war.
Unfortunately, we don’t see such a will from Russia’s side."
The UN has reported escalating violence, with Russian strikes damaging civilian infrastructures, including residential buildings, hospitals, and schools.
A recent missile attack in Odesa resulted in four fatalities among sailors aboard a commercial vessel intended to transport grain.
In the UK, Defence Minister John Healey noted the formation of a so-called Coalition of the Willing aimed at enhancing Ukraine's security.
Discussions with defense counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, and Poland resulted in commitments to advance collaborative efforts toward security guarantees for Ukraine.