As the war in Ukraine continues with renewed Russian offensives and increased international pressure for de-escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to hold separate phone calls with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to White House officials. The development comes amid calls for diplomatic intervention and as the global community watches for any signs of a breakthrough in the long-stalemated conflict.
Trump’s scheduled calls mark the most direct diplomatic engagement by the U.S. president with both leaders since his return to office in 2024. A White House spokesperson confirmed the calls are expected “within the next 48 hours” and will focus on “exploring pathways to de-escalation and ceasefire.” However, the spokesperson also emphasized that “nothing is being promised at this stage.”
The announcement was made as Russian forces stepped up attacks in eastern Ukraine and around the Kharkiv region. Ukrainian officials reported a barrage of missile and drone strikes overnight, damaging infrastructure and residential buildings. Civilian casualties are still being assessed, though emergency services have confirmed at least 12 dead and dozens injured in the last 24 hours.
In Kyiv, President Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains open to peace talks but will not accept any deal that compromises territorial sovereignty. “A just peace begins with the full withdrawal of Russian forces from all occupied Ukrainian land,” Zelenskyy stated. His office welcomed Trump’s engagement, but warned against “shortcuts” that could leave Ukraine vulnerable to future aggression.
The Kremlin, in contrast, signaled a cautious openness to dialogue. Russian officials said Putin is “prepared to speak” with Trump but reiterated demands that any ceasefire proposal must acknowledge the “realities on the ground”—a reference to Moscow’s current control of parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, and southern Ukraine.
Observers note that the call between Trump and Putin will be closely watched for signs of U.S. policy shifts. During his first months back in office, Trump has reduced direct aid to Ukraine and has faced criticism for signaling a preference for ending the war through negotiated settlement rather than continued military support.
European leaders have expressed both hope and concern over Trump’s diplomatic outreach. While some welcome any effort to end the bloodshed, others fear that U.S.-brokered talks may pressure Ukraine into concessions. French President Emmanuel Macron said any talks “must be aligned with international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty,” while Germany urged “transparency and coordination” with NATO allies.
In the meantime, Ukrainian cities remain under threat. Reports from Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaiv indicate continued Russian shelling. Ukraine’s air defenses, although bolstered by Western systems, have struggled to intercept a growing number of glide bombs and hypersonic missiles. Zelenskyy has once again appealed to allies for more Patriot systems and faster delivery of promised weapons.
Protests have erupted in several Western capitals, with demonstrators urging their governments not to abandon Ukraine amid what they see as growing war fatigue. In Washington, Ukrainian-American communities held vigils outside the White House, calling on Trump to stand firmly against Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have expressed support for “constructive dialogue” and hinted at interest in joining broader peace efforts, although the West remains skeptical of Beijing’s neutrality.
As the conflict grinds on with no decisive military breakthrough, Trump’s planned conversations with Putin and Zelenskyy are seen as a potential diplomatic inflection point. Whether they lead to substantive progress or amount to symbolic gestures remains to be seen.
For now, Ukraine continues to brace for more attacks, while the world waits to see if a phone call can open the door to ending Europe’s deadliest conflict in decades.
Source: Al Jazeera
