President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he will speak individually with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr zelensky on Monday in an attempt to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said his call with Putin is scheduled for 10 a.m. and will focus on halting what he described as a “bloodbath” claiming over 5,000 lives weekly, along with discussions on trade. He added that he will then speak to zelensky, followed by a conversation involving NATO representatives.
“Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end,” Trump wrote in the post.
Trump’s planned outreach comes after Putin did not attend recent peace talks held in Turkey, a move that appeared to frustrate the U.S. president. Speaking to reporters Friday as he departed the Middle East, Trump said he was ready to push forward regardless.
“I think it’s time for us to just do it,” Trump said, adding, “He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it, or maybe not. At least we’ll know.”
Throughout his presidency and campaign, Trump has repeatedly claimed he could end the war within 24 hours of taking office. However, sources familiar with the administration’s internal efforts say he has expressed frustration behind closed doors, acknowledging that negotiations have proven more complex than expected.
Trump has also shifted his tone in recent weeks. While he previously placed most of the blame on Ukraine, he now faults both sides for prolonging the conflict. He criticized zelensky for what he called “inflammatory statements,” particularly the Ukrainian leader’s firm position on retaining Crimea, and said such rhetoric complicates the path to peace.
At the same time, Trump did not spare Putin, calling Russia’s late April strikes on Ukraine “not necessary” and “very bad timing.”
The calls on Monday will mark Trump’s most direct involvement to date in personal diplomacy aimed at ending the war, which has dragged on for over two years with no clear resolution in sight.
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