**Trump and Zelensky Discuss Ceasefire and Sanctions Amid Ongoing Conflict**

In a series of critical discussions, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in extensive talks concerning the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin also had a two-hour and five-minute conversation without mentioning a ceasefire deadline.

Zelensky revealed that Trump emphasized the importance of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. On May 19, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Putin’s advisor Vladimir Medinsky discussed a prospective prisoner exchange, aiming to trade 1,000 prisoners from each side within the coming days or weeks. Civilian prisoners, however, will not be included in the exchange list.

A source from the Ukrainian President’s Office informed the Kyiv Independent that Trump and Zelensky conducted two conversations on May 19 – one preceding the scheduled call with Putin and another afterward. During his dialogue with Trump, Zelensky advocated for a ceasefire, clear communication of views regarding the conflict’s memorandum, and ensuring Ukraine’s involvement in all pivotal decisions.

Zelensky reported expectations of a strong sanctions package from the European Union, though a specific timeline was not provided. He also mentioned anticipating U.S. sanctions on Russian banks and the energy sector, describing these measures as "important, strong mechanisms."

The talks between Trump and Zelensky follow inconclusive negotiations in Istanbul, where Russian officials reiterated their demands for Ukraine to accept the loss of Crimea and four eastern regions. The extensive second conversation on May 19 included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa.

A potential meeting between delegations from Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., and the EU is being explored, with possible locations including Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland. Trump posited on May 19 that Russia is keen on engaging in large-scale trade with the United States post-war, citing opportunities for job creation and wealth generation, which could also benefit Ukraine during its reconstruction phase.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the Trump-Putin phone call as productive, acknowledging Trump’s "neutral" stance on the war. European allies, however, expressed frustration with Trump’s approach, seeking his support for a joint U.S.-EU ultimatum demanding an unconditional ceasefire starting from May 12 and for the imposition of tougher sanctions on Moscow.