Former U.S. President Donald Trump plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a new attempt to stop the ongoing war in Ukraine. These calls are expected to take place on Monday. Trump shared the update on Truth Social, where he said he hopes for a “productive day” and a possible ceasefire. He also mentioned that his efforts will include reaching out to NATO leaders.
The war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. Since then, it has caused thousands of deaths, damaged cities, and forced millions to flee their homes. Trump has often said he would quickly end the war if he were president again. These phone calls are seen as an early test of that claim, even before the next U.S. election.
Trump’s approach focuses on direct communication. He believes his past relationship with Putin and his personal style will help break the current deadlock. According to his team, Trump thinks that talking directly with Putin can bring real progress. He believes a strong leader can make deals that benefit both sides and bring peace.
There are, however, concerns from diplomats and experts. They worry that Trump may be too friendly with Putin, which could hurt Ukraine’s position in any peace deal. Critics say that Ukraine, the country defending itself after being invaded, should not be pushed into accepting unfair terms just to end the war quickly.
Former U.S. officials have shared concerns about the current strategy. One former ambassador to Ukraine said she left her role because of how the Trump administration handled the conflict. She believed the White House was putting more pressure on Ukraine than on Russia. She also said that during a meeting in February, Zelensky was treated harshly for not showing enough respect. In her view, any peace agreement that gives in to the aggressor is not real peace. History shows that giving in can often lead to even more violence in the future.
Meanwhile, talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey ended recently without a ceasefire. The discussions lasted less than two hours. However, one small step forward was made. Both countries agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war. Ukraine’s intelligence chief said the swap could take place this week. This shows that while major peace is still out of reach, small agreements are still possible.
Trump’s call with Putin is expected to start at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Along with the topic of peace, trade will also be discussed. Trump may use trade offers as a way to get Putin to agree to stop the fighting. Since the start of the war, the United States and its allies have put strong sanctions on Russia. These sanctions have hurt Russia’s economy. The country has lost access to foreign investment and faced limits on importing important goods. However, some experts say the sanctions did not go far enough. They argue that Russia’s oil sales continued, helping it fund the war.
Trump’s Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said on Sunday that Trump wants Putin to be serious about peace. If not, stronger sanctions could follow. Bessent also criticized the earlier sanctions from the Biden administration. He said those measures did not stop Russia’s oil money. U.S. officials tried to balance pressure on Russia while keeping global oil prices stable. Blocking too much oil could have caused inflation and hurt American consumers.
As Trump steps into these talks, many around the world are watching. Some believe his direct style could lead to quick results. Others fear that rushing the process may leave Ukraine with an unfair deal. Either way, the former president’s actions could shape the future of the war.
The war in Ukraine has lasted over two years. It has destroyed towns and cities, killed many people, and caused a major refugee crisis. According to the United Nations, more than 10 million people have been displaced. Damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure has been estimated at over $400 billion. Rising food and energy prices due to the conflict have also affected millions of people around the world.
Whether or not Trump’s calls lead to a real ceasefire, they show a growing interest in finding a solution. As the conflict continues, global pressure for peace is rising. Governments and citizens across the world are calling for an end to the war. Trump’s effort adds a new layer to the ongoing international response.
