Trump Plans Monday Calls with Putin, Zelenskyy, and NATO for Ceasefire and Trade Discussions

Former President Trump announced his intention to separately engage in phone discussions on Monday with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. His goal is to negotiate a ceasefire between the two countries.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "On Monday at 10:00 a.m., I will have a phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. The main topics will include halting ongoing hostilities, which result in the deaths of more than 5,000 soldiers weekly on both sides, and topics of trade."

Trump continued by saying, "Following that, I will engage in a conversation with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. Together, we will then discuss these matters further with various NATO leaders. I am hopeful that this will lead to a fruitful day, resulting in a ceasefire and ultimately putting an end to this intense war—one that should have never started. God bless everyone!"

Speaking to the press on Friday, Trump mentioned his decision to reach out to Putin, following the Russian leader’s absence from the peace dialogue held between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey. "The moment has come for direct action," he remarked.

Further elaborating while on Air Force One after a Middle Eastern tour, Trump stated, "A personal meeting between him and me might resolve the situation, or it might not. At the very least, we'll have a clearer view. And if we fail to find a solution, the outcome will still hold significant interest."

According to previous reports by CNN referencing insider sources, Trump has experienced more challenges than anticipated in his endeavors to mediate a peace agreement while in office. During his campaign, he confidently claimed that he could end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours once in the presidential role.

Lately, Trump has shifted his stance by assigning blame to both sides, having earlier directed criticism solely at Ukraine's President Zelenskyy, accusing him of making provocative statements that complicate peacemaking. Furthermore, he charged Zelenskyy with exacerbating tensions by asserting that Kyiv would never officially concede Crimea to Russia. In recent weeks, Trump also criticized Putin for Russia's late April attacks on Ukraine, suggesting they were unnecessary and ill-timed.