In a high-stakes diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, as he seeks to fulfill his repeated pledge to end the war in Ukraine. The conflict, now dragging into its fourth month under Trump’s renewed leadership, has defied his “Day One” promise of a swift resolution, drawing criticism and mounting pressure from both domestic and international quarters.
Trump made the announcement Saturday via Truth Social, expressing hope that “a ceasefire will take place” and declaring his intent to stop what he called a “bloodbath.” He confirmed that trade issues will also be discussed with Putin, amid calls from Republicans like Senator Lindsey Graham to impose new sanctions on Russia for prolonging hostilities.
The talks come on the heels of a turbulent week in diplomacy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led U.S. participation in Turkish-hosted peace talks on Friday, attended by European leaders and Zelenskyy. Though Putin declined to attend, sending a Kremlin representative instead, expectations were low. Rubio openly admitted there was unlikely to be a breakthrough without Trump’s direct involvement, calling the dialogue “a start, not a solution.”
Tensions escalated further after a Russian drone strike in northern Ukraine killed nearly a dozen civilians hours after the initial talks. Despite this, Trump insists Putin remains open to negotiation, even as critics express concern that a deal brokered by Trump may include Ukrainian territorial concessions.
Adding to the diplomatic strain, Trump and Vice President JD Vance previously chastised Zelenskyy during a February Oval Office meeting, accusing him of authoritarian tendencies. Trump’s remarks, coupled with his perceived closeness to Putin, have unnerved NATO allies, raising fears of a deal that could tilt toward Russian interests.
Still, Trump remained confident. “I think I’m the only one that’s going to be able to do that one,” he said Friday. “And I think we will do it fast, too.”
As the world watches Monday’s calls closely, the stakes could not be higher—for Ukraine, for Europe, and for Trump’s promise to end the war.
