Key Points:
- President Trump to speak with Putin today at 10:00 AM ET to discuss Ukraine ceasefire.
- Trump also plans calls with Zelenskyy and NATO leaders after the Putin conversation.
- Putin reiterated support for limited ceasefire terms but criticized Ukraine’s lack of reciprocal action.
- Russia and Ukraine held Istanbul talks, agreeing to a POW exchange and a roadmap for future ceasefire.
- Ukraine remains skeptical, citing continued Russian drone strikes and territorial demands.
Trump-Putin Call Scheduled for 10AM ET Today
President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, May 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time, to discuss the war in Ukraine and the possibility of a formal ceasefire. Following the Putin call, Trump plans to speak separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders of NATO countries to coordinate a broader peace effort, according to ABC News and Al Jazeera.
Ceasefire Initiative Builds on March Talks
Today’s scheduled call builds on a March 18 discussion between Trump and Putin, where both sides tentatively agreed to pause attacks on energy infrastructure. As reported by the White House, the leaders discussed full ceasefire frameworks and maritime security in the Black Sea.
“We are very much on track for a meaningful ceasefire. The road to peace is challenging, but the dialogue is strong.”
Putin agreed to limited ceasefire gestures in March, including halting shelling and strikes on civilian energy infrastructure. But as reported by TASS, Moscow claims Kyiv never responded with reciprocal measures, raising doubts about progress.
Kremlin Emphasizes Istanbul Talks as Foundation
Ahead of today’s call, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Trump-Putin conversation would be informed by the May 16 negotiations in Istanbul. “We will give the maximum information possible based on the results of the conversation,” Peskov told TASS.
— Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman (TASS)
At the Istanbul summit, Ukraine and Russia agreed to a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange and introduced draft concepts for a ceasefire roadmap. Russia’s chief delegate Vladimir Medinsky said Ukraine requested direct leader-to-leader engagement, which Moscow “took into consideration.”
Zelenskyy Skeptical Amid Continued Strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious support for the energy infrastructure pause but highlighted ongoing attacks. According to his X post, Russia launched 200 drones in one night despite its ceasefire claims.
— President Zelenskyy on X
According to Ukrinform, Ukraine intercepted 76 of 112 drones overnight. Zelenskyy has made clear that any negotiations must include a full withdrawal of Russian forces and no recognition of annexed regions like Crimea.
NATO Coordination and Ceasefire Strategy
NATO is not directly involved in the ceasefire talks but remains central to Ukraine’s defense. According to NATO, the alliance reaffirmed Ukraine’s eventual membership during the 2024 Washington Summit.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that any post-ceasefire security presence should not involve NATO troops, in order to prevent escalation.
— U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
On May 18, German Chancellor Merz, French President Macron, and UK Prime Minister Starmer spoke with Trump to coordinate a unified approach. According to Deutsche Welle, the European leaders called for an unconditional ceasefire and warned of new sanctions against Russia if it fails to engage sincerely.
Fragile Ceasefire History Raises Doubts
Both sides have previously violated ceasefire agreements. Ukraine reported 734 Russian violations within 12 hours during the May 8–10 Victory Day pause, while Russia accused Kyiv of over 14,000 violations.
As noted by Al Jazeera, analysts warn that Russia’s battlefield gains could tilt talks in its favor unless robust enforcement and international guarantees are in place.
— Michael Clarke, Military Analyst (The Guardian)
As Trump prepares for back-to-back calls with global leaders today, the outcome of the 10AM Putin conversation may determine whether real peace or just prolonged posturing is in store for Ukraine.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
