WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump hopes separate calls Monday, May 19, 2025, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will help bring a ceasefire in the Ukraine war.
Trump called for a “productive day” and an end to the “bloodbath” in a weekend social media post. He also plans to speak with Nato allies. The outreach marks a major test of his dealmaking skills after promising a quick resolution to the conflict that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Trump believes his direct approach and rapport with Putin could help “clear up some of the logjam.” However, critics warn his closeness to Putin might
disadvantage Ukraine.
Former US ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who resigned last month, said the administration’s policy focused on pressuring Ukraine rather than Russia. She cited a February Oval Office meeting where Trump allegedly berated Zelenskyy. “Peace at any price is not peace at all,” Brink said.
Trump’s treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, warned that Russia faces more sanctions if Putin doesn’t negotiate “in good faith.” Bessent also criticized previous sanctions for failing to curb Russia’s oil revenue.
Putin recently rejected Zelenskyy’s offer to meet in Turkey. Talks last Friday ended without a ceasefire but led to a planned prisoner exchange of 1,000 troops from each side.
While returning from a Middle East trip Friday, Trump said Putin skipped the Turkey talks because Trump wasn’t there. “He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it — or maybe not,” he told reporters.
Zelenskyy met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday. He said they discussed sanctions, trade, defense and the battlefield situation.
European leaders also spoke with Trump on Sunday, agreeing to follow up after his call with Putin. Meanwhile, Ukraine faced Russia’s largest drone attack since the war began, with over 270 drones fired. / from the wires