Trump Plans Ceasefire Talks With Putin on Ukraine

President Donald Trump is set to speak by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday at 10 a.m. EDT, with the conversation focusing on securing a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and addressing trade issues. Trump also plans to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several NATO members afterward, expressing hope for progress toward peace. The Trump administration is advocating for a 30-day ceasefire and a comprehensive peace plan, amid reports that the conflict is causing over 5,000 deaths each week. Recent talks in Istanbul led to a prisoner exchange agreement but failed to resolve major issues. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of direct Trump-Putin engagement, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov acknowledged the U.S. role in restarting negotiations. All parties indicate a willingness to continue diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.