President Donald Trump announced he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in an effort to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, describing the mission as “STOPPING THE ‘BLOODBATH.’” The announcement, made Saturday via Truth Social, comes just days after failed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.
Trump also plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from NATO. “HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE A PRODUCTIVE DAY,” Trump posted.
The move follows a deadly drone attack in Ukraine’s Sumy region on Saturday, where Russian forces reportedly targeted a civilian evacuation bus, killing nine and injuring seven. Ukrainian officials condemned the strike as a deliberate act of civilian targeting. Zelenskyy called the incident proof of Russia’s unwillingness to end hostilities, despite Ukraine’s call for a full and unconditional ceasefire.
The drone strike coincided with Russia’s claim of targeting a military position nearby, though no mention was made of Bilopillia, where the civilian attack occurred. The town declared a mourning period through Monday.
While a large-scale prisoner swap agreement was reached in Friday’s Istanbul talks, key issues remain unresolved. Putin’s absence from the meeting and his rejection of Zelenskyy’s face-to-face offer undercut hopes for progress.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a Zelenskyy-Putin meeting remains possible depending on the success of the prisoner exchange and further negotiations. The Kremlin is also preparing a list of ceasefire conditions for Ukraine.
Trump’s involvement adds pressure to ongoing international efforts to end the conflict. European leaders, including France’s President Macron, voiced support for tougher sanctions on Russia and expressed hope that Trump would back efforts to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty and halt further violence.
Trump’s planned calls signal a bold diplomatic step at a time when the conflict appears to be escalating again. His direct involvement marks a return to the assertive foreign policy approach that characterized his first term, and underscores his intention to take a leadership role in resolving the Ukraine crisis. With both Russian aggression and Ukrainian resistance intensifying, Trump’s outreach may test whether strong American leadership can bring the warring sides closer to a ceasefire—or expose just how far apart they remain.
