President Donald Trump announced plans to speak separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, marking a high-stakes diplomatic move to end the war in Ukraine.
In a post on TruthSocial, Trump said the calls would focus on stopping what he described as a “bloodbath” costing over 5,000 lives weekly and on restoring trade relations. He added that he would also engage NATO members after speaking with Zelenskyy, expressing hope for a ceasefire and “an end to this very violent war.”
Trump’s announcement comes just days after Putin declined to attend a long-anticipated peace summit in Turkey, where Russian and Ukrainian officials met for the first direct talks in three years. Despite limited expectations, the talks represented a symbolic step toward diplomacy. Putin’s absence, however, cast doubt over any immediate breakthroughs.
Speaking from Air Force One on his way back from a Middle East trip, Trump told reporters he may soon meet Putin directly: “I think we’ll solve it, or maybe not—but at least we’ll know.” He acknowledged Putin’s decision to skip the Turkey summit, saying, “He didn’t go because he’s not there—I get it.”
Zelenskyy has reportedly agreed to a U.S.-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, though Russia has not signed on and continues to carry out strikes across Ukraine.
“I don’t believe anything’s going to happen until he and I get together,” Trump said of Putin, adding that a personal meeting is “crucial” to breaking the impasse.
While critics question Trump’s diplomatic strategy, the upcoming phone calls underscore his push for a rapid resolution. “We’ve got to get it done,” Trump said. “Too many people are dying.”