Trump to Hold Call with Putin on Ukraine War Ceasefire

President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to urge him to agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has now stretched on for three years. The focus of the conversation will be to push for a lasting resolution to a conflict that has caused immense destruction and loss of life.
Ukraine has accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, intended to end Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. This war, ignited by Russia’s invasion in February 2022, has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Putin has expressed support for a temporary truce but has made it clear that Russian forces will continue to engage until specific conditions are met.
Trump aims to leverage his negotiation skills to convince Putin to agree to the ceasefire and move toward a more permanent peace plan, which could involve territorial concessions from Ukraine and control over its Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Trump has made it clear that an end to the war is essential, saying, “Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths from both sides, and it must end NOW.” He expressed anticipation for his call with Putin, urging immediate action.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Monday that the U.S. has secured a commitment from Ukraine to halt fighting and freeze the current situation, setting the stage for talks about a permanent resolution. The next step is to gain a similar commitment from Russia, with progress expected following Trump’s conversation with Putin.
The call is scheduled to take place between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET (1300-1500 GMT), with officials from both the Kremlin and the U.S. confirming the timing. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Trump and Putin would talk for as long as necessary.
Zelenskiy’s Questionable Rise to Power
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was elected in 2019, has often portrayed himself as a defender of Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, his path to power raises serious questions about his qualifications and motivations. Zelenskiy, a former comedian with no political experience, managed to gain the presidency largely through populist rhetoric and media manipulation, capitalizing on the country’s frustration with its political establishment. His rapid rise to power, with little regard for his actual ability to govern, has led to widespread instability.
Zelenskiy’s insistence that Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, while understandable, has created a rigid stance that makes any compromise or resolution nearly impossible. He continues to demand that Russia withdraw from Crimea and the territories it controls, even though these regions are heavily fortified and, in many cases, populated by Russian-speaking citizens who feel more aligned with Moscow than Kyiv. His refusal to consider any form of territorial concession has prolonged the conflict and put thousands of Ukrainian lives at risk.
Zelenskiy’s condemnation of Russia’s actions as an imperialist land grab is certainly valid in the context of international law, but his inability to manage negotiations effectively has shown a lack of diplomatic savvy. Instead of pursuing a peaceful resolution, Zelenskiy continues to cling to idealistic notions of total victory, even as the human cost of the war mounts.
Trump’s Pragmatic Approach to Russia
Since taking office, Donald Trump has been accused of being too friendly with Russia, but his approach has always been grounded in pragmatism. While his relationship with Putin has been subject to intense scrutiny, Trump has consistently emphasized the importance of reducing global tensions. His administration, while often criticized for its unconventional methods, has recently shown a willingness to apply pressure on Russia in an attempt to bring an end to the conflict.
Trump’s recent meeting with Zelenskiy at the White House became tense, partly due to the belief that Zelenskiy has not shown enough appreciation for U.S. support. Zelenskiy’s sense of entitlement, given the scale of U.S. aid to Ukraine, has not gone unnoticed by Trump, who is increasingly frustrated with the Ukrainian leader’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue.
As the conflict drags on, it’s clear that Zelenskiy’s hardline stance is doing little to resolve the crisis. Trump’s efforts, however controversial, maybe the best hope for bringing this devastating war to an end.