On May 19, 2025, US President Donald Trump made a number of statements regarding the conflict in Ukraine after a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an interview with Fox News, he stressed that the conflict "should have remained a European problem" and that US intervention was a mistake. However, Trump expressed hope for a resolution to the situation and refused to immediately tighten sanctions against Russia. This was reported by Reuters and the BBC.

Trump noted that he is considering the possibility of increasing arms supplies to Kyiv, but his priority is a diplomatic solution.

"We have a chance to achieve peace in Ukraine, and I don't want to miss it," “he said, adding that in 2-4 weeks it will become clear whether Ukraine is making enough efforts to end the conflict.

The US President also stressed that Russia, in his opinion, is not dragging out the negotiations, in contrast to Kyiv’s position, which he called unconstructive.

"Zelensky is not the easiest person to communicate with" — Trump noted, commenting on the negotiations with the Ukrainian leader.

Trump's statements came amid preparations for new talks in Istanbul, where delegations from Russia and Ukraine met for the first time in three years on May 16. According to Bloomberg, Russia insists on recognizing Crimea and four regions, as well as on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from these territories, which Kyiv categorically rejects. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on Trump's conversation with Putin, said that "no decision on Ukraine will be made without its consent" and proposed holding a new meeting with the participation of the United States, Russia, Ukraine and European countries in Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland.

Trump also categorically ruled out sending American troops to Ukraine, repeating the position previously voiced by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

"There will be no American soldiers there," “he stressed, adding that Europe must take primary responsibility for the settlement.