President Trump is easing up his pressure on Ukraine and sending serious warnings to Russia as he renews calls for a 30-day ceasefire in the grinding war.
Trump on Thursday repeated threats of new sanctions against Moscow, and Washington is reportedly working with European partners on a ceasefire proposal and sanctions package, ready to be employed if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to agree.
It’s a welcome reprieve for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose relationship with Trump has pinballed between the president temporarily halting U.S. military assistance and intelligence sharing – following a heated argument in the Oval Office in February — and then the effort taken to mend ties.
The warming relations were most recently demonstrated in a remarkable photo of the two leaders huddling privately in the revered halls of the Vatican, on the sidelines of Pope France’s funeral, and the successful signing of a joint economic and reconstruction fund – referred to as the minerals deal.
Ukraine’s parliament ratified the minerals deal on Thursday and Zelensky called Trump to inform him.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Friday described the call as “very good” and that the two leaders also discussed a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which she said has backing by the Europeans.
European leaders, part of the so-called coalition of the willing, are meeting with Ukrainian officials on Saturday, virtually and in-person. French President Emanuel Macron hinted at consequences if Russia fails to agree to a ceasefire.
“Failing to do so, we are ready to respond firmly, together with all Europeans and in close coordination with the United States,” he said in a statement posted to X.
Warming ties between Zelensky and Trump comes at a critical moment.
Ukraine is expected to run out of Western-provided weapons by early summer, forcing a re-work of what it’s capable of on the battlefield. While the Armed Forces of Ukraine have continuously innovated with drone warfare to strike Russian targets beyond the borders, air defense provided by the U.S. and heavy munitions, like long-range missiles, are critical to the country’s defense.
While Zelensky praised the minerals deal with the U.S. as a “truly historic document,” and one that demonstrates long-term American support, the agreement does not provide for any type of military or security guarantees.
And Trump’s base of supporters are vocal about opposing any more assistance for Ukraine.
“I represent the base and when I’m frustrated and upset over the direction of things, you better be clear, the base is not happy,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), posted on X on May 2, railing against the minerals deal with Ukraine as part of a larger, rambling post.
“Why don’t we just mine our own rare earth minerals that are tied up on federal lands that the government confiscated years ago?”
Doug Klain is a policy analyst with Razom Ukraine, a nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a leading advocate for continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine. He described as notable Trump’s threats of sanctions against Russia and the unified message coming out of the Trump and Zelensky call.
“This might be a sign that after months of bullying Ukraine and begging Russia for peace, the White House might finally understand that Ukraine has been a willing partner all along saying yes to every proposed ceasefire while Russia keeps killing,” he said.
Klain also pointed out that recent U.S. approval of Ukraine inking a $50 million weapons purchase from an American company, and the administration sending non-operational F-16s to be mined for parts in Ukraine, are further positive signals.
“With Russia stepping up its air attacks and the U.S. Embassy warning of a massive strike in the coming days, new aid can’t come soon enough,” said Klain, who is also a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council.
“Trump has about $3.8 billion left in Presidential Drawdown Authority,” he added, describing the fund that allows the U.S. to send Ukraine munitions directly from Pentagon stockpiles.
“After signing the economic deal and seeing this F-16 package flow, I think there’s some incredibly cautious optimism” for more military aid to Ukraine or at least foreign military sales, Klain said.
“Ukraine has said yes to just about everything Trump has asked for, while Putin has spurned Trump at every opportunity. At this point, there’s really two choices for Trump—either walk away and admit failure, or pressure Putin and strengthen Ukraine’s hand.”
Ukraine still holds a majority of bipartisan support in Congress, and has support among some of Trump’s closest allies on Capitol Hill.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said his legislation imposing greater sanctions on Russia has risen to 70 co-sponsors – ensuring it can override the filibuster – and is “ready to move.”
“President Trump's call for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is welcome news and I hope it will be honored by both parties,” Graham posted on X.
“As to the Senate, we now have over 70 cosponsors for a strong Russian sanctions package and stand ready to move.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, is another outspoken backer for Ukraine and has Trump’s endorsement. Lawler said that while he views Putin as a “vile dictator and thug,” he doesn’t see Ukraine on a path to victory through military means.
“I think there’s a realization that this can’t continue,” Lawler said in an interview with the One Decision podcast.
“The longer this conflict drags on, my concern is just that Ukraine is not in a position to win, but at best to drag this on to a stalemate, and at worst that it would fall… I do think there's going to come a moment soon where the president is going to take a very aggressive posture, economically and otherwise, that will not be to Putin's benefit.”
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