Trump’s calls with Putin and Zelensky aim to advance ceasefire talks

President Donald Trump has become increasingly frustrated with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to the White House, on Monday, May 19, 2025.

This announcement came ahead of key phone calls Trump is holding separately with both leaders.

This is reportedly in an attempt to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Despite his past claims that he could swiftly end the war, Trump has found the task more challenging than anticipated.

The war began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

His attempts to mediate now mark a crucial test of his reputation as a dealmaker.

Vice President JD Vance stated that Trump is “more than open” to stepping away from the peace process if it proves unproductive.

“The U.S. isn’t going to spin its wheels here. We want to see outcomes,” Vance remarked.

Trump, in a recent Truth Social post, expressed hopes for a “productive day” and a potential ceasefire.

He also planned calls with NATO leaders as part of this diplomatic effort.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin and Trump were scheduled to speak at 5 p.m.

Moscow time (10 a.m. Eastern), calling the conversation “important” in light of recent discussions in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations – the first such negotiations since March 2022.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Trump is “weary and frustrated with both sides.”

According to Leavitt, Trump has conveyed his desire for a peaceful resolution as soon as possible.

Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about the Putin call.

He stated that Trump believes his personal relationship with the Russian leader can help overcome the current diplomatic stalemate.

However, concerns have been raised that Trump’s perceived affinity for Putin could disadvantage Ukraine.

Bridget Brink, who recently resigned as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, criticized the administration’s policy.

He claimed it had consistently pressured Ukraine, the victim, instead of targeting Russia, the aggressor.

Brink cited a February Oval Office meeting where Trump’s team harshly criticized Zelenskyy for not being deferential enough as a turning point in her decision to resign.

“Peace at any price is not peace at all,” she said.

“It’s appeasement, and appeasement only leads to more war.”

Trump’s post on Truth Social indicated he would press Putin to end the “bloodbath” and suggested trade incentives might be used to motivate a resolution.

The call’s agenda would reportedly include discussions on sanctions and economic relations, as U.S. sanctions imposed since Russia’s invasion have significantly hurt Moscow’s economy.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, said Trump had warned that if Putin does not negotiate “in good faith,” new sanctions could follow.

He also criticized previous sanctions implemented during President Biden’s administration.

Trump argued they were insufficient, particularly because they avoided targeting Russian oil exports in order to prevent higher prices in the U.S.

Meanwhile, Putin declined a recent invitation from Zelenskyy to meet in Turkey.

He also rejected a proposed 30-day ceasefire backed by Ukraine and its allies, including the U.S.

The latest negotiations in Turkey concluded in under two hours without any ceasefire agreement.

However, both Russia and Ukraine did agree to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each.

Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said on national television that these exchanges could begin this week.

Wrapping up a four-day Middle East trip, Trump commented Friday that Putin may have declined the Turkey meeting because Trump himself was not present.

“He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it, or maybe not.

“At least we’ll know,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

On Sunday in Rome, Zelenskyy met with Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

He also met with European leaders, in a last-minute effort to influence the upcoming calls.

On social media, Zelenskyy criticized the low-level Russian delegation in Turkey and reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to “real diplomacy.”

He also highlighted the need for continued sanctions against Russia and called for more pressure until Moscow agrees to stop the war.

European leaders have been closely coordinating with Trump.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and leaders from France, Britain, and Italy spoke with Trump on Sunday about the Ukraine situation and his planned call with Putin.

Although details of the exchange were not released, the talks are expected to continue after Trump’s conversation with Putin.

French President Emmanuel Macron later posted on X that Putin “must show he wants peace” by agreeing to Trump’s proposed 30-day ceasefire, which is also supported by Ukraine and Europe.

The push for peace comes amid escalating violence.

This is with Ukraine’s air force reporting that Russia launched 273 drones and decoys in its largest aerial attack since the invasion began, targeting Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk.

Trump’s envoy Witkoff appeared on ABC’s This Week, while former ambassador Brink spoke on CBS’ Face the Nation, highlighting the intense media focus on the unfolding diplomatic efforts.

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