US President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, in a renewed attempt to mediate an end to the war in Ukraine. The calls will reportedly focus on securing a ceasefire and discussing trade relations. Writing on his TruthSocial platform, Trump claimed the war was causing over 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian military deaths each week, calling the conflict a “bloodbath” that must be halted.
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Trump, who was recently touring the Middle East, told reporters that direct engagement with Putin was necessary to move peace efforts forward. He suggested a face-to-face meeting may be arranged soon, stating, “We’ll solve it – or maybe not. At least we’ll know.” Despite Putin’s absence from a peace summit in Turkey last week, Trump expressed understanding, saying, “He didn’t go, and I understand that.” Putin has so far refused to meet directly with Zelensky, despite Ukraine’s agreement to an American-brokered plan for a 30-day ceasefire.
The peace summit in Istanbul marked the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years, though expectations for tangible progress remain low. While Zelensky and NATO officials have been involved in ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued its military strikes, casting doubt on the prospect of an immediate resolution. Trump emphasised the urgency of ending the war, lamenting the weekly death toll and declaring, “We’ve got to get it done.”
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While no formal meeting has yet been set between Trump and Putin, the former president affirmed that discussions were imminent and described himself as ready to travel immediately if needed. Despite moments of informal tone, including references to his newborn grandson, Trump maintained that only direct dialogue with Putin could bring about real change. His push for renewed talks underscores the ongoing complexity of resolving a war that has ravaged Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
