US President Donald Trump said he hoped his separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky would help make progress toward a ceasefire in the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump shared his expectations for a “productive day” on Monday and a cease-fire in social media posts over the weekend. His initiatives will also include calls to NATO leaders.
The US president faces a difficult time trying to end a war that began with a Russian invasion in February 2022, making the talks a major test of his reputation as a negotiator after he said he would quickly resolve the conflict once he returned to the White House, if not before.
The Republican president hopes his personal qualities and experience with Putin will help overcome any difficulties associated with the suspension of hostilities.
“He believes it's important to engage with President Putin to help clarify the situation and get us to the right outcome,” Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said.
“I'm sure it will be a very successful call.”
Trump was reported to be “disappointed” with both Russia and Ukraine ahead of the phone calls.
“He is tired and frustrated with both sides of the conflict,” White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt told reporters Monday morning. “He has made it clear to both sides that he wants to see a peaceful resolution and a ceasefire as soon as possible.”
Vice President J.D. Vance said the United States was prepared to abandon efforts to broker a cease-fire.
“I would say we are more than open to leaving,” Vance told reporters before leaving Rome after meeting with Pope Leo XIV.
Vance noted that Trump had made it clear that the US “is not going to waste time. We want to see results.”
“We'll try to put a stop to it, but if it doesn't work, we'll end up saying, you know what? It was worth a try, but we're not doing it anymore.”
However, there are concerns that Trump may have sympathy for Putin, which could put Ukraine at a disadvantage in any agreements reached by the US government.
Bridget Brink said she resigned as US ambassador to Ukraine last month “because the policy from the beginning of the administration has been to put pressure on the victim, Ukraine, rather than the aggressor, Russia.”
She noted that the reason for her departure was a meeting in the Oval Office in February, at which Trump and his team openly criticized Zelensky for not showing them due respect.
“I believe that peace at any cost is
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
