Trump’s Calls to Zelenskyy and Putin: Efforts for Ukraine Ceasefire Intensify
By Josh Boak, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is engaging in critical discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in hopes of brokering a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Scheduled for Monday, these calls follow recent talks in Istanbul, marking the first negotiations since March 2022.
Trump expressed optimism on social media, emphasizing the importance of halting the "bloodbath" of war. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, underscored that the former president believes his rapport with Putin could help clear obstacles to peace. However, concerns persist regarding Trump’s perceived affinity for Putin, which some fear could tilt negotiations unfavorably for Ukraine.
Bridget Brink, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, resigned due to frustrations over U.S. policy, stating it favored pressuring Ukraine rather than Russia. Negotiations leading to an initial prisoner exchange of 1,000 combatants were agreed upon, but a proposed 30-day ceasefire was recently rebuffed by Putin.
As Trump prepares for these high-stakes conversations, the conflict escalates, with Russia launching a significant drone attack on Ukrainian regions. Leaders from France, Germany, and the U.K. are backing Trump’s push for an unconditional ceasefire, underlining the urgency and complexity of the situation.
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