Washington, D.C (Rajeev Sharma).: In a fresh diplomatic push to end the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday appealed to both Russia and Ukraine to immediately suspend military operations and “freeze” the battlefield as it stands today, suggesting that both sides should claim success and allow history to judge the rest.
The comments followed President Trump’s bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, during which the two leaders discussed the trajectory of the war and possible paths to peace. Trump later shared a detailed message on his platform, Truth Social, summarizing the encounter and reiterating his call for restraint.
“I urged President Zelenskyy — as I have also told President Putin — that it’s time to stop the bloodshed. Let both sides hold their ground, claim victory, and halt the destruction,” Trump posted.
He described the conversation with Zelenskyy as “productive and respectful,” and warned against further prolonging what he referred to as a “senseless conflict” with heavy human and economic costs.
A Freeze, Not a Resolution
Trump’s proposal, which calls for halting the war along current lines of control, is being interpreted as an attempt to create a diplomatic off-ramp for both Moscow and Kyiv without requiring major concessions upfront.
“Enough is enough. No more bombs, no more bullets, no more families torn apart. Let the guns fall silent,” he wrote. “This war should never have started. But it can and must end — now.”
The U.S. President added that a continued commitment of “unsustainable” levels of foreign aid and military hardware is not a viable long-term solution.
His message appeared to be a direct appeal to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Ukrainian leadership, who remain locked in a stalemate across multiple fronts in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine.
Arms Transfer in Question
During the White House briefing, Trump also signaled reluctance to proceed with a potential shipment of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine — a move that had been previously floated as a bargaining tool in diplomatic overtures to Russia.
“We’re considering all options, but my priority is making sure our own defense stockpiles are secure. I’d rather Ukraine not need more missiles. I’d rather there be no need for missiles at all,” Trump stated.
The comments come days after he hinted that supplying Ukraine with advanced U.S.-made weaponry might be necessary if Moscow fails to engage in peace talks. However, Trump’s latest position indicates a preference for diplomacy over escalation.
Putin Call and Upcoming Talks
Trump also confirmed that he recently held a phone conversation with President Putin and that plans are underway for an in-person meeting in Hungary in the near future. While details remain confidential, sources suggest Ukraine and the wider European security landscape will dominate the agenda.
In contrast to earlier U.S. administrations, Trump has leaned into a more transactional approach to foreign policy, and his efforts to mediate the war appear to follow a similar pattern — emphasizing results over process.
Mixed Global Response
While Trump’s call for de-escalation has drawn cautious praise from some international observers who see it as a step toward ending the conflict, others remain wary. European allies have expressed concern that accepting a “freeze” at current frontlines could cement Russian territorial gains and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In Kyiv, officials have yet to formally respond to Trump’s latest statements. President Zelenskyy has long maintained that any peace agreement must involve a complete withdrawal of Russian forces and restoration of Ukrainian borders, including Crimea.
Still, the meeting and Trump’s subsequent messages suggest that Washington could play a more hands-on role in pushing for a negotiated settlement — especially as the toll of the war continues to mount and pressure grows for a resolution.
As tensions simmer and diplomatic efforts gain traction, the world watches closely to see whether Trump’s unorthodox approach will yield results where traditional diplomacy has stalled.
