President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak with Vladimir Putin by phone on Monday, May 19, 2025, aiming to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and push for a ceasefire. This initiative follows recent unsuccessful peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow held in Turkey on Friday.
The call occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions, with Russia launching its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war. According to Ukrainian sources, 273 drones targeted various regions, including Kyiv, on Sunday, May 18, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage.
Ahead of the call, US Vice President JD Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome on Sunday, May 18. They discussed the situation on the front lines and preparations for the call. They also talked about possible sanctions against Russia if there are no results and a ceasefire. The leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom again pressed the need for sanctions against Russia in a call with Trump before his telephone summit with Putin on Monday.