Zelensky, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, held a high-level phone call with Donald Trump on May 16. The emergency dialogue came as Russia refused a ceasefire and demanded full Ukrainian withdrawal from key regions it doesn't entirely control — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. While Ukraine, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, pushed for genuine negotiations, Putin declined direct talks and sent aide Vladimir Medinsky instead. The only breakthrough: a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner of war swap. br br #ZelenskyVsPutin #IstanbulTalks #PutinAfraid #UkraineWar #PeaceTalksFail #ZelenskyStatement #RussiaUkraineCrisis #PutinNoShow #EUUnited #TrumpCall #CeasefireNow #UkraineStandsStrong #ShamDelegation #PressureOnRussia #DiplomacyDeadlockbr br Also Readbr br Putin Declares 'Easter Truce' In Russia-Ukraine War Amid US Proposal, Ceasefire To Stay Till Sunday Midnight :: br US Will Drop Ukraine-Russia Peace Efforts If No Progress Within Days: Marco Rubio :: br Russian Drone Strike Hits Indian Pharma Warehouse In Kyiv, Ukraine Accuses Moscow Of ‘Deliberate Targeting’ :: br br br ~HT.410~PR.152~ED.420~GR.