Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump joins Zelensky in demanding 30-day ceasefire after ‘warm’ VE Day phone call

Ukraine has said Russian forces have violated president Vladimir Putin’s 72-hour ceasefire more than 700 times within the first day.

“According to our military data, despite Putin’s statements, Russian forces continue to attack across the entire frontline. From midnight to midday, Russia committed 734 ceasefire violations and 63 assault operations, 23 of which are still ongoing; 586 attacks on our troops’ positions, 464 of which used heavy weapons; 176 strikes by FPV-drones; and 10 air strikes using 16 guided aerial bombs,” Ukraine foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said yesterday.

Branding the ceasefire a “farce”, the Ukrainian official said: “Ukraine remains ready for at least 30-day full ceasefire and confidence-building measures, which will enable peace negotiations and the real path to a fair and sustainable peace.”

US president Donald Trump has suggested Russian leader Vladimir Putin should “ideally” accept a 30-day ceasefire, backing similar calls from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky after the two spoke on the phone on Thursday.

“Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue. The US calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire,” Mr Trump said on his Truth Social network after speaking to Mr Zelensky.

Mr Trump has also threatened further sanctions on Moscow if any potential ceasefire is violated.

“If the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions.”

Mr Zelensky said in his nightly address that the two leaders had shared a “warm and constructive” phone call, and that Ukraine is “ready for peace from this moment”.

He said a 30-day ceasefire would be a “real indicator” of progress towards peace with Russia.