High-Stakes Talks Set Between Trump and Putin
President Donald Trump is preparing for a critical phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Trump confirmed the call will happen on Monday at 10 a.m., though he didn’t mention the time zone.
He also plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO members, aiming to push for a ceasefire.
Russia Welcomes U.S. Mediation Efforts
Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow “values” the U.S. effort and is open to peaceful solutions. When asked about the possibility of an in-person meeting between Trump and Putin, Peskov said it depends on both leaders and would require planning.
European Leaders Join Pre-Talk Discussions
Before the Trump-Putin call, leaders from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy held conversations with Trump. The UK urged Putin to take peace talks seriously, while France’s President Emmanuel Macron posted that Putin should accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe.
Criticism Over Trump’s Approach
Many experts, including former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, have criticized Trump’s stance. She argued Trump’s policy puts more pressure on Ukraine than on Russia.
“Peace at any price is not peace — it’s appeasement,” Brink wrote in the Detroit Free Press, urging stronger leadership against Russian aggression.
Continued Violence in Ukraine
Despite diplomatic efforts, Russian attacks continue. On Sunday, shelling in Kherson killed a 75-year-old woman and injured others. Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes caused damage near Kyiv.
Russia has also banned Amnesty International, calling it “Russophobic” and accusing it of supporting Ukrainian “extremism.”
Trump Pushes for Ceasefire
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the aim of the call is to stop the “bloodbath,” claiming over 5,000 soldiers die each week in the conflict. NBC has not confirmed these numbers.
Trump hopes for a productive day, with a ceasefire that could lead to an end of the war, which he called “a war that should have never happened.”
Peace Talks Continue, But No Agreement Yet
Last week, U.S.-brokered talks brought Russian and Ukrainian officials face-to-face in Istanbul, but both sides remain divided:
- Russia demands Ukraine surrender.
- Ukraine refuses those terms, calling them unacceptable.
Global Diplomacy in Motion
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance met with Zelenskyy in Rome, where they were also welcomed by Pope Leo XIV.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appreciated the U.S. engagement, noting that the coming week could be decisive.
