Trump to Speak with Putin and Zelenskyy on Monday in Push for Ceasefire, Trade Talks

KEY POINTS

• President Trump announces direct calls with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Monday morning.
• Trump aims to end the “bloodbath” claiming over 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian lives weekly and to address trade relations.
• Secretary of State Rubio delivers ceasefire message in a separate call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.
• U.S. peace plan under discussion following prisoner exchange agreement in Istanbul.

President Donald J. Trump confirmed he will speak by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday at 10:00 a.m. ET, to urge an end to the war in Ukraine and discuss trade issues. The announcement follows recent progress in Ukraine-Russia talks and increasing pressure for a ceasefire.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump outlined his agenda for the high-level discussions, emphasizing the urgent need to halt what he called a “bloodbath” that is killing more than 5,000 soldiers each week.

Diplomatic Activity Intensifies After Istanbul Talks

On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where he reiterated the United States’ full backing for an immediate ceasefire and long-term peace. According to the U.S. State Department, the call followed the May 16 Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul, which led to a prisoner exchange agreement.

Rubio communicated President Trump’s “strong message” supporting a comprehensive ceasefire and laid out the framework of a U.S.-proposed peace plan now under consideration by both nations.

International Coordination with NATO Leaders Expected

President Trump also confirmed plans to coordinate with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and “various members of NATO” following his calls with both leaders. The White House has not yet released the full list of NATO officials involved, but the administration has expressed hopes that Monday’s conversations will result in an enforceable ceasefire agreement.

Trump has repeatedly stated that the war “should have never happened” and has vowed to personally lead efforts to bring it to a close in his second term.

While Kremlin officials have not publicly confirmed the Monday call, Russian state media acknowledged recent contact between the U.S. and Moscow diplomatic channels.

Outlook: Ceasefire or Continued Violence?

With over 500,000 casualties reported since the war began in 2022, the conflict continues to place intense humanitarian and economic strain on Ukraine, Russia, and the global community. President Trump’s direct intervention marks a renewed attempt by Washington to facilitate a ceasefire amid continued global unrest.

Updates will follow following the conclusion of Monday’s calls between President Trump, President Putin, and President Zelenskyy.