Trump: Putin must stop shooting, Zelensky wants an agreement

After a meeting with Voldymyr Zelensky in St. Peter, Trump said Ukrainian President is the quietest “”, wants a deal and is doing a good job, adding that Zelensky demanded more weapons.

In terms of the Crimea, Trump said “I think it is” meaning Zelensky can accept her surrender, and added “Crima surrendered years ago, without a shot, ask Obama”.

The meeting in St. Peter's Basilica, supported by the Holy See, has sparked hopes for peace, but the road remains difficult. Kiev is demanding that partners pressure Moscow for ceasefire, while the Kremlin insists Washington has agreement on several issues, including the fact that the Crimea is Russian and Ukraine should not enter NATO, broadcast Periscope.

In Washington, patience is running out. The US is demanding that the parties accept compromises within the week. Meetings in Rome between Zelensky, Trump and other leaders have intensified diplomatic pressure on Russia. Trump accused Putin of “talling” with peace efforts and warned new sanctions.

Moscow tried to downplay tensions by stressing co-operation with Americans, while Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Europe and Zelensky of instrumentalising Trump's initiative. Ukraine, on the other hand, is seeking to strengthen the alliances and continues to seek a full and unconditional ceasefire.

Under the Pope's funeral, Zelensky sought support from the Holy See and allies, stressing that peace cannot be imposed on the victim. Meanwhile, State Secretary Marco Rubio said the “Agreement requires both sides to give up something. That's how a war ends, and that's what we're trying to do”.