2025-05-18T00:41:37Z

---

In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his plans to initiate phone conversations on Monday with key leaders involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The conversations will start with Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and various leaders from NATO nations, all aimed at discussing the pressing need to end the brutal war in Ukraine that has resulted in extensive loss of life and suffering.

Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to share his intentions, emphasizing the urgent need to halt what he described as a "bloodbath" in Ukraine. He expressed hope for a fruitful dialogue, aiming for a ceasefire that would put an end to the violent hostilities. "Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end," Trump stated in his post on Saturday.

His announcement comes on the heels of a failed direct negotiation between Moscow and Kyiv that took place the previous day, marking the first such engagement in years. During these talks, Putin rejected Zelenskyy's proposal for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey, despite having previously suggested direct negotiations as a potential path to a resolution. This proposal was made as part of discussions surrounding a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine and its Western allies, including the United States, had urged.

Further complicating the situation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a visit to Rome. Rubio hinted that the Vatican could serve as a neutral venue for future peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, indicating a willingness to explore various diplomatic avenues.

Unfortunately, the situation remains dire on the ground in Ukraine. Just hours after the Istanbul talks concluded, a tragic incident occurred in a northeastern Ukrainian town where a Russian drone strike targeted a bus evacuating civilians, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals, as reported by local officials. This attack underscored the immense human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgency for a ceasefire.

In the aftermath of the Istanbul discussions, both delegations had agreed to conduct the largest prisoner swap so far, with each side exchanging 1,000 prisoners of war. Ukrainian intelligence officials indicated that this exchange could occur as soon as next week. However, while there seemed to be some progress in this area, the broader negotiations for a ceasefire continue to stall, with the Kremlin dismissing proposals for a temporary cessation of hostilities.

As the war drags on, the situation for Ukraine appears to be increasingly precarious. In recent months, U.S.-brokered talks have focused on persuading the Trump administration that relying on Putin for a resolution is problematic. Trump has voiced his frustration over the lack of progress, even threatening to abandon negotiations if tangible results are not achieved. He has reiterated that no lasting peace can be established until he meets directly with Putin.

In his remarks made before departing from Abu Dhabi, Trump commented, "He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it, or maybe not. At least we’ll know." This statement reflects the complex interplay of diplomacy, personal relationships, and the harsh realities of international politics.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has vocally expressed his concerns regarding the stagnant talks. He shared his discussions with Trump and other European leaders, including those from France, Germany, Britain, and Poland, urging that tough sanctions be imposed against Moscow should they continue to reject Ukraine’s call for a full and unconditional ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that there remains an openness for Putin to engage in talks with Zelenskyy, contingent on the successful execution of the previously agreed prisoner swap and further negotiations. However, Peskov did not provide any timeline or conditions that would facilitate a meeting between the two leaders.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the conflict continues to take a toll on civilian lives. In Bilopillia, a town located a mere 10 kilometers from the Russian border, nine civilians were killed and several others injured due to a Russian drone strike. The local governor, Oleh Hryhorov, and Ukraine’s national police reported these tragic casualties, though the situation remains challenging to independently verify.

Describing the attack, Zelenskyy condemned it as a “deliberate killing of civilians,” emphasizing the awareness of the Russian forces as to the nature of their target. Local authorities have expressed their sorrow, with community leader Yurii Zarko declaring the day a “Black Saturday” and calling for a period of mourning in the town, lasting through Monday.

In response to the attack, Ukraine’s allies have united in condemnation. U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his horror, asserting that if Putin is earnest about seeking peace, he must agree to an immediate ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, echoed this sentiment, asserting that Russia's continuous assaults demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life and international norms. He pledged to escalate pressure on Moscow through sanctions.