Donald Trump is set to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump announced this on Truth Social, emphasizing the need to stop the "bloodbath," which claims around 5,000 soldiers’ lives weekly from both Russia and Ukraine.
This call comes after a significant meeting between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Turkey—the first direct talks in three years. Trump has expressed that he believes real progress won’t happen until he speaks with Putin directly.
He plans to follow up his conversation with Putin by discussing the situation with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO allies. Trump is hopeful for a productive dialogue, citing the need for a ceasefire to end what he describes as a tragic conflict.
The Kremlin has confirmed that preparations for the call are underway. Talks between Russia and Ukraine have seen pressures for a ceasefire, yet Putin has resisted these calls, advocating for direct discussions. Ukraine’s delegation attended a meeting, leading to a prisoner swap agreement, which marked a significant milestone.
Interestingly, Trump’s perspective is that many negotiations are stalling because he thinks key leaders need to meet in person. With the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian implications, over 20 million people are displaced, and the war has led to widespread economic disruption.
Trump’s insights highlight a complex landscape. Experts say that leaders meeting directly can sometimes break impasses. However, the desire for peace must be matched with actionable steps, such as acknowledging grievances and mutual respect. As Trump gears up for his call, the world watches closely, hoping for a shift toward peace.
For more information, you can read the latest updates on the ongoing conflict from CNN.