Another week begins, and with it comes new hope.

Last week Ukraine and its European allies were together in Kyiv and they are demanding that Russia agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on May 12, which is, well, today. “We agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days. We jointly demand this from Russia, and we know we are supported in this by the United States,” Zelensky said. Further to this, Zelensky and the European leaders held a “productive” call with Trump, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stated.

But of course, Putin rejects the ceasefire and he calls on Ukraine to begin direct talks in Istanbul next week. “Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin said. So much game playing. So much evil. Just end the war. It can end as quickly as it started.

If America puts Russia under pressure something will happen. But under Trump’s America trust and confidence is low. We live in hope. America remains the key here.

Does Putin really have a hold over Trump? Is Trump really the soulless grifter many people believe him to be. We will soon find out. Either Russia is put in their place, or the world’s values will continue to decline. As my one friend in the US said to me the other day, “There is just shareholder value. I think those are the only values left.”