WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to speak by phone on Tuesday, as efforts continue to reach a ceasefire agreement in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Kremlin confirmed the upcoming call on Monday. Talks between the two countries have been underway for weeks, and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said over the weekend that both sides are making progress.
30-Day Ceasefire Proposal Still on the Table
Russia has not yet agreed to a 30-day ceasefire deal proposed by U.S. officials and supported by Ukraine. The talks took place in Saudi Arabia and are being closely monitored by European allies like France and the United Kingdom, both of which have offered to send peacekeeping troops if the U.S. also provides support.
Putin said he has concerns about how the ceasefire would be enforced and whether it could give Ukraine time to rebuild its military. He also wants any agreement to include limits on Western countries sending weapons to Ukraine.
Witkoff Meets with Putin to Discuss Ceasefire
Special envoy Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow last Thursday and described the meeting as productive. He said the discussion focused on practical solutions to help move the peace process forward.
While he didn’t reveal specific terms, Witkoff said he believes a ceasefire is possible in the near future. He also expects the conversation between Trump and Putin this week to be a positive step toward ending the war.
Conflict Still Active Despite Peace Talks
Although negotiations continue, heavy fighting hasn't stopped. Over the weekend, Russia launched several air strikes, and Ukrainian forces tried to defend their position in the Russian border region of Kursk, which they have held for several months.
Trump posted online last Friday that there is "a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end." He also said he had personally asked Putin not to harm the Ukrainian soldiers being forced out of Kursk.
Second Trump-Putin Call This Term
The planned call will be the second publicly known conversation between Trump and Putin since Trump began his second term. Their first phone call happened last month and also focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During his recent speech to Congress, Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had written to thank the U.S. for its support in the war. Trump also mentioned that he is open to signing an agreement to allow the U.S. access to Ukraine’s natural resources. That came after a heated exchange between the two leaders in the Oval Office over America’s continued role in Ukraine’s defense.
Looking Ahead
U.S. officials remain hopeful that the phone call between Trump and Putin will help advance peace talks. Witkoff said Trump believes a deal could be reached soon, and that this could be the beginning of ending a war now in its fourth year.
The White House has not shared further details about what Trump will discuss with Putin. But the administration continues to emphasize its goal of ending the war and bringing stability back to the region.
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