Trump-Putin Call Aims to End Ukraine Conflict Amid Failed Peace Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to engage in a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of a critical phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This call comes at a time of heightened tensions and failed peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. The Kremlin has confirmed that the call between Trump and Putin is scheduled for May 19, with Trump planning to discuss the situation in Ukraine and potential paths to a ceasefire.

The call between Trump and Putin follows a period of intense diplomatic activity, with European leaders making efforts to influence Trump's approach. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of a backroom deal between the U.S. and Russia, which could potentially undermine European interests. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who held talks with both Trump and Zelensky, noted that while progress towards a ceasefire has been slow, it is moving in the right direction for Ukraine. Stubb also emphasized that Ukraine's position is relatively strong and that Russia has significant weaknesses, despite its aggressive stance.

Trump's call with Putin is seen as a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict, with the U.S. president aiming to push for an end to the "bloodbath" in Ukraine. The call comes after Putin rejected an offer by Zelensky to meet in-person in Turkey as an alternative to a 30-day ceasefire urged by Ukraine and its Western allies. The failed peace talks in Istanbul, which represented the first direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia since the early days of the full-scale invasion, did not result in a ceasefire. Moscow's maximalist demands, including sweeping territorial concessions and neutral status for Ukraine, were met with resistance from Ukrainian leadership.

The upcoming call between Trump and Putin is expected to focus on finding a way to end the conflict and potentially negotiate a ceasefire. Trump has previously threatened to impose new sanctions against Russia if it does not agree to a ceasefire, but has not yet followed through on those threats. The Trump administration has consistently put pressure on Ukraine to make concessions towards a peace deal, while Russia continues to refuse an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with both sides refusing to back down. The call between Trump and Putin is seen as a potential turning point in the conflict, with the U.S. president aiming to use his influence to push for a resolution. The outcome of the call will be closely watched by both European leaders and the international community, as the conflict in Ukraine continues to have far-reaching implications.