Trump plans Putin call to negotiate Ukraine ceasefire
President Donald Trump is gearing up to make a crucial phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to put an end to the devastating conflict in Ukraine. Following successful peace talks that led to a prisoner swap over the weekend, Trump is scheduled to speak with Putin at 10 a.m. EST, followed by discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO members.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the urgent need to halt the ongoing bloodshed that has claimed the lives of more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers every week. The primary focus of the call will be on achieving a ceasefire and addressing trade issues. Trump expressed hope for a productive outcome that would bring an end to the senseless violence that has plagued the region.
However, tensions remain high as Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine just hours before the scheduled call, targeting the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions with 273 explosive drones and decoys. Despite Ukraine’s air force intercepting some of the drones, the attack underscores the volatile situation on the ground. Russia’s defense ministry reported downing 35 Ukrainian drones overnight as well.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also engaged in peace talks with Zelenskyy in Rome, underscoring the international efforts to broker a lasting peace agreement. Direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Turkey last week failed to yield a breakthrough, with Zelenskyy pointing to the lack of high-level representation from the Russian side as a key obstacle.
Putin has emphasized the need for any peace deal to address the root causes of the crisis and ensure Russia’s security. Trump, on the other hand, has hinted that his involvement may be essential in reaching a resolution. He indicated that progress may be stalled until he meets with Putin in person, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
As the conflict continues to escalate, Ukraine has called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, a proposal that Putin has met with skepticism. Concerns remain that any pause in hostilities could be exploited by Ukraine to regroup and strengthen its position. The path to peace remains uncertain, with the international community closely watching the outcome of Trump’s call with Putin and the subsequent discussions with Zelenskyy and NATO members.
The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation or a breakthrough in peace efforts hanging in the balance. The world waits with bated breath as key leaders navigate the delicate diplomatic landscape in search of a resolution to the devastating conflict in the region.
