Mon May 19 05:27:07 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:

**Summary:**

In May 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump is attempting to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine through direct phone calls with Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy. Trump believes his personal relationship with Putin can break the stalemate. However, concerns exist that Trump’s perceived affinity for Putin might disadvantage Ukraine. Prior attempts at negotiation, including meetings in Turkey, have failed, and recent large-scale drone attacks by Russia underscore the ongoing conflict. While Trump’s administration is suggesting potential additional sanctions if Russia doesn’t negotiate in good faith, there’s criticism that previous sanctions were insufficient. Ukraine is pressing for continued pressure on Russia.

**News Article:**

**Trump Seeks Ukraine Ceasefire Through Direct Talks with Putin, Zelenskyy**

*Washington D.C., May 19, 2025* – U.S. President Donald Trump is making a renewed push to end the conflict in Ukraine, initiating phone calls today with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump hopes to leverage his personal relationship with Putin to achieve a breakthrough, aiming for a ceasefire after over three years of war.

“A war that should have never happened will end,” Trump posted over the weekend. His administration suggests trade deals may be used as incentives for Russia.

However, the initiative faces skepticism. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, who resigned last month, has criticized the administration’s approach, claiming it favors pressuring Ukraine over Russia. Brink suggested Trump openly berated Zelenskyy for lacking deference. “I believe that peace at any price is not peace at all,” Brink said. “It’s appeasement and as we know from history, appeasement only leads to more war.”

“His sensibilities are that he’s got to get on the phone with President Putin, and that is going to clear up some of the logjam and get us to the place that we need to get to,” said Mr. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. “I think it’s going to be a very successful call,” he said.

Talks in Turkey last week failed to produce a ceasefire, although both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange. Zelenskyy, who met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome yesterday, stated that Russia sent a “low-level delegation of non-decision-makers” to the Turkey talks. He is urging continued international pressure, emphasizing the need for sanctions against Russia to force them to the negotiating table. “Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war,” Mr. Zelenskyy said.

The renewed diplomatic effort comes amid escalating tensions, with Ukraine reporting the largest Russian drone barrage since the 2022 invasion. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that further sanctions are possible if Putin does not negotiate “in good faith,” acknowledging criticisms that previous sanctions were ineffective in curbing Russia’s oil revenues.

The international community is watching closely to see if Trump can succeed where previous attempts have failed, amidst concerns of the US leaning toward Russia.

Read More