Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Trump to Engage Putin and Zelenskyy in Pursuit of Ukraine Ceasefire
In an effort to foster a Ukraine ceasefire, former President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he intends to speak separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. This move intensifies his attempts to assist both nations in securing a truce.
Upcoming Discussions with Russian & Ukrainian Leaders
“I will be speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday, at 10:00 a.m.,” Trump declared in a post on Truth Social on Saturday. He further stated, “I will then be speaking to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine.”
Focus on Halting Hostilities and Trade
Trump articulated that his discussion with Putin would center on “stopping the ‘bloodbath’ that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade.”
“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,” he added, expressing optimism about the potential for a breakthrough.
Trump’s Push for Resolution
For months, Trump has been encouraging Zelenskyy and Putin to achieve a ceasefire agreement to put an end to the protracted conflict. Achieving peace was a notable campaign promise during his 2024 attempt to regain the office of President.
Stalled Negotiations and Prior Engagements
Delegates from Russia and Ukraine convened in Istanbul recently for their initial face-to-face negotiations since the beginning of the war. These discussions seemingly failed to bring the involved parties significantly closer to a consensus on conditions for a lasting ceasefire.
Putin was not in attendance at the Istanbul discussions. Trump informed reporters before that he and the Russian leader “have to meet.”
“He and I will meet. I think we’ll solve it, or maybe not,” Trump remarked, indicating the uncertain nature of the matter but expressing hope.
Escalating Rhetoric
The former president increased his critiques of Putin in recent weeks, particularly against Russia’s military actions in Ukraine made as U.S. representatives endeavored to open talks between the two sides.
“Vladimir, STOP!” Trump put in a message online subsequent to Russian attacks which targeted sections of Ukraine and resulted in casualties.
Previous Dialogue and Shifting Perceptions
Trump and Zelenskyy participated in a private discussion when they crossed paths during Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome several weeks ago. Afterward, the former U.S. president called into question Putin’s desire to end the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that recent bombings “make me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along.”
Internal Dynamics and Economic Cooperation
During Trump’s time in the office, focus was often directed at Zelenskyy, evident in an earlier White House meeting in late February.
- Recently, Ukraine and the U.S. finalized an “economic partnership” agreement.
- This arrangement involves Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.