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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded Sunday to Russia’s proposal for direct peace talks by welcoming the idea—but only under the condition of an immediate and temporary ceasefire. Zelenskyy reiterated his call for a 30-day unconditional halt to hostilities, emphasizing that a ceasefire is the “very first step” to ending the war.
Over 50,000 police officers flooded Istanbul, shutting down major transportation networks and arresting more than 400 protesters in response to mass May Day demonstrations across Turkey's largest city.
