Trump and Putin Set for Critical Ukraine Call as Ceasefire Hangs in Balance

President Donald Trump announced he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the three-year war in Ukraine. Trump revealed this development while speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening.

“A lot of work has been done over the weekend,” Trump stated. “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we cannot, but I think we have a good chance.”

The call follows a meeting between Putin and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow. Witkoff described their discussions as “positive” and said the two presidents would have a “productive and affirmative conversation” this week.

Trump seeks Putin’s backing for a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine accepted last week. Both sides continue trading heavy aerial strikes while Russia moves closer to ejecting Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region.

When asked about potential concessions, Trump mentioned the talks would cover territory and energy facilities. “We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants,” Trump explained. “We are already in discussions about dividing up certain assets.”

Putin has expressed support for the ceasefire “in principle” but outlined several conditions. He emphasized that any truce must address the “root causes” of the conflict and raised concerns about Ukrainian forces in Kursk.

Putin Questions Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Tensions

The Russian leader questioned how the 30-day period would be utilized. “Will Ukraine use this time to mobilize, rearm, or train personnel? How will these actions be monitored?” Putin asked during a press conference last Thursday.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that any peace agreement would require “ironclad security guarantees” including Ukraine’s exclusion from NATO. “A neutral status for Ukraine should be included in these guarantees,” he insisted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has characterized Putin’s response as “manipulative” and accused Moscow of lacking genuine interest in ending the war. He suggested Russia is attempting to “enhance their position on the battlefield” before agreeing to terms.

The G7 nations recently warned Russia of additional sanctions if it rejects the ceasefire proposal. The outcome of Tuesday’s call could determine the next phase of the conflict that has devastated Ukraine since 2022.