Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, May 19, 2025. The call with Putin is scheduled for 10:00 AM EDT. Following this, Trump intends to speak with Zelensky and NATO members.
Trump hopes these discussions will lead to a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. He aims to address the "bloodbath" resulting in thousands of casualties weekly. According to Trump's statement, trade will also be a topic of discussion.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that preparations were underway for the call. Trump's remarks come after direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv failed to yield a ceasefire. Trump had offered to attend talks in Turkey if Putin would also be present, but Putin declined.