Trump to Call Putin as Pressure Mounts for Ukraine Ceasefire

In a high-stakes diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday as part of renewed efforts to end the devastating war in Ukraine. The call comes amid mounting global pressure for a ceasefire, following limited progress in peace talks and continued violence on the ground.

Trump, who promised during his campaign to end the war within a day of taking office, has yet to see results from his peace push. Over the weekend, Ukraine reported the “largest” drone attack since the conflict began, even as Moscow signaled openness to a diplomatic solution.

“It is preferable to achieve our goals through political and diplomatic means, of course,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. He described the planned conversation with Trump as “important” and praised Washington’s involvement in efforts to resolve the crisis.

Despite this, tensions remain high. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated calls for a “full and unconditional ceasefire,” warning that Russian aggression continues unabated. Talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul last week—attended by U.S. delegates—ended without a breakthrough. Ukraine accused Russia of sending a “dummy” delegation lacking the authority to make real decisions.

Following the stalemate, Trump announced his intention to speak with both Putin and Zelensky, along with NATO officials.

“We hope a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war will end,” Trump said, referring to the conflict as a “bloodbath.”

While pushing for peace, Trump has notably avoided strong criticism of Putin, instead directing frustration toward Ukraine and Western allies. He has also hinted that significant progress will only occur after a face-to-face meeting with the Russian leader.

Diplomatic Activity Intensifies

On Sunday, Trump held a conference call with the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and Italy. All parties stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire and discussed the potential for renewed sanctions should Russia continue to stall diplomatic efforts.

“Putin must agree to a ceasefire and peace talks,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a social media post after the call.

Zelensky also met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican, where they attended Pope Leo’s inaugural mass. According to a senior Ukrainian official, the pair discussed preparations for Trump’s Monday call with Putin and the possibility of additional sanctions.

Violence on the Ground Continues

Meanwhile, the war rages on. The Russian military claimed to have seized two villages in the eastern regions of Sumy and Donetsk. Ukrainian air defense reported that it intercepted 76 out of 112 drones launched overnight by Russia.

In a televised interview, Putin reiterated that Russia’s long-term goals are to eliminate the “root causes” of the conflict and ensure the country’s security—language often used to justify its invasion. The Kremlin continues to cite NATO expansion, Ukraine’s geopolitical orientation, and the protection of Russian speakers as key motivations.

Western leaders reject these justifications, describing the invasion as an unjustified land grab.

While Trump’s call with Putin is being viewed as a potential turning point, expectations remain tempered. The outcome will depend not just on rhetoric but on the willingness of both sides to make real concessions.

As global leaders ramp up diplomatic engagement and consider fresh sanctions, all eyes will be on Monday’s call to see whether this latest effort might bring the war-weary region closer to peace.

{Source: The Citizen}

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