President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized President Donald Trump for his recent hour-long phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The diplomatic tension escalated after Trump revealed that Putin indicated he would respond to Ukraine’s recent drone attacks on Russian airfields. Is Trump now facing pressure from European allies?
Trump-Putin Call Sparks International Controversy
President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for over an hour regarding Russia’s planned retaliation against Ukraine’s recent attacks on Russian airfields. During the call, Putin “very strongly” indicated that Russia would respond to Ukraine’s drone strikes, while Trump described the conversation as “good” but acknowledged it would not lead to immediate peace.
The conversation has intensified tensions between Ukraine and the Trump administration, with President Zelenskyy aiming for Trump’s diplomatic approach. Zelenskyy warned that “if the powerful do not stop Putin, it means they share responsibility with him,” suggesting that engagement without consequences only emboldens Russian aggression.
Russia doesn`t change its stripes – another massive strike on cities and ordinary life. They targeted almost all of Ukraine – Volyn, Lviv, Ternopil, Kyiv, Sumy, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions. Some of the missiles and drones were shot down. I thank our… pic.twitter.com/O1iemSp3s2
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 6, 2025
Ukraine Rejects Russian Demands
Zelenskyy has firmly rejected Putin’s demand for Ukraine to withdraw troops from four partially occupied regions, stating bluntly: “It’s our land, we won’t withdraw our troops from our territory.” The Ukrainian president interpreted these demands as proof that Russia has no genuine interest in peace, saying, “It means that they don’t want peace… if they demand what they know we won’t agree to.”
Recent negotiations in Istanbul proved inconclusive, with Russia insisting that Ukraine accept the permanent loss of Crimea and the four eastern regions currently under partial Russian control. Despite Trump’s announcement that Russia and Ukraine would start negotiations toward a ceasefire, the path forward remains unclear, with Putin refusing Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
The people of Ukraine want peace.@ZelenskyyUa sends his military to force innocent citizens to fight in his pointless war.
The people of Ukraine are fighting back against Zelenskyy and his gangs of goons who are sent to round the people up.
Make peace.pic.twitter.com/4WfaBFWV4U
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 5, 2025
Mounting Pressure for Sanctions
Zelenskyy has emphasized the need for stronger sanctions against Russia to force meaningful negotiations, mentioning a forthcoming EU sanctions package and anticipated U.S. sanctions on Russian banks and the energy sector. No new U.S. sanctions have been imposed despite Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire, causing frustration among European allies who seek a joint U.S.–EU ultimatum.
Trump faces domestic pressure as well, with Senator Lindsey Graham pushing for sanctions on countries purchasing Russian energy. The security situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, with the U.S. Embassy issuing alerts due to increasing Russian attacks, as Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 61 of 95 Russian drones launched in a recent overnight assault.
Trump, who promised to end the war within 100 days of taking office, has now been in office for 118 days without achieving this goal. In his statement following the call with Putin, Trump suggested there is “tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth,” while noting Ukraine “can be a great beneficiary on trade, in the process of rebuilding its country.”