Trump Plans Call with Putin to Address Ukraine Conflict

In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed his intention to initiate a conversation with Putin, scheduled for Monday, to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which he described as a "bloodbath." He has stated that following his call with Putin, he would connect with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other NATO leaders to further the conversation on peace. This announcement comes after a recent round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul that yielded limited results, aside from a prisoner exchange. The U.S. president had previously expressed a willingness to attend peace talks if it meant direct engagement with Putin.

Trump suggested that real progress in resolving the conflict could only emerge from in-person discussions with the Russian leader. His remarks indicate an eagerness for a ceasefire and a resolution to what he characterized as a senseless war. NATO leaders have echoed the call for a temporary 30-day ceasefire, while Ukraine continues to urge an unconditional halt to hostilities.

Following the talks in Istanbul, the Russian delegation expressed satisfaction, indicating a desire for ongoing dialogue. Nonetheless, tensions escalated with a recent attack on a civilian bus in Ukraine, which resulted in multiple casualties, prompting President Zelensky to call for stronger sanctions against Russia. The incident illustrates the persistent volatility in the region since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.