Trump Says He Will Speak to Putin on Monday About ‘Stopping the Bloodbath’

President Donald Trump has announced that he will have a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, as efforts continue to secure a truce between Russia and Ukraine. Trump shared on his Truth Social account that he will talk with Putin at 10:00 a.m. and the discussion will focus on halting the ongoing conflict that has resulted in the deaths of more than 5,000 soldiers from both countries each week, as well as trade matters.

Following his conversation with Putin, Trump plans to also speak separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and members of NATO. He expressed hope that these discussions will lead to a successful day and eventually bring about a cease-fire to end the violent war that should never have happened.

Trump’s announcement follows a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul, Turkey, where they engaged in direct negotiations for peace. Despite speculation about a potential face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin, the two leaders did not meet in person. However, progress was made as the delegates agreed to a significant prisoner swap and discussed the possibility of a cease-fire and a meeting between the Presidents of both countries.

While Europe and the U.S. have proposed a 30-day truce, Ukraine has accepted the proposal, but Putin has refused to agree unless certain demands are met. Trump has emphasized the importance of communication between himself and Putin in resolving the conflict, a sentiment echoed by the Kremlin.

Despite initial tensions between Trump and Zelensky, the two leaders have worked to improve their relationship, with a recent symbolic meeting ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral showing potential for historic progress. Trump believes he can facilitate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also engaging in talks with officials to advance the peace process.