The Ukrainian president reacted promptly: In a statement, he declared that Ukraine was ready for an immediate 30-day ceasefire – effective immediately. "We are waiting for a signal from Moscow," stressed Zelensky. He also assured Trump that Ukraine was ready for talks in any conceivable format.
Despite new mediation attempts, the Trump initiative initially remained without tangible success. Russian President Vladimir Putin (72) had in the past set conditions that practically excluded any ceasefire. Whether this will change now remains open. A clear sign of solidarity also comes from Berlin: Germany's new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (62, CDU) made a surprise trip to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on Thursday. In a video on X, he reaffirmed Germany's support. The intention is to send a strong signal on Europe Day: "Ukraine belongs to Europe – and we stand by its side."