Trump to call Putin in a bid to end Russia's 'bloodbath' war with Ukraine

Published: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 1:20 pm

Trump to Call Putin in Bid to End Ukraine War, Amidst Renewed Russian Attacks

President Donald Trump is planning to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to mediate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The call, scheduled for 10 a.m. EST, comes after recent peace talks yielded a prisoner swap but failed to achieve a ceasefire. Trump also intends to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO members shortly after the call with Putin.

Trump stated his primary goals for the call are to "stop the bloodbath" that is claiming thousands of lives weekly and to discuss trade. He expressed hope for a productive day, a ceasefire, and an end to the "very violent war."

However, the situation remains volatile. Just hours before the planned call, Russia launched a significant drone attack on Ukraine, targeting regions including Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk. While Ukraine's air force intercepted a portion of the drones, the attack underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict.

Recent diplomatic efforts have included direct talks in Turkey between Russian and Ukrainian officials, as well as meetings between Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Zelenskyy in Rome. These discussions have resulted in an agreement to exchange approximately 1,000 prisoners of war. However, a comprehensive peace agreement remains elusive.

Zelenskyy has attributed the lack of progress to Russia sending low-level officials to the talks. Putin, meanwhile, has indicated that any peace deal must address the "causes that triggered this crisis" and guarantee Russia's security. Trump has also suggested that his involvement is crucial for any potential peace deal.

BNN's Perspective: While any effort to de-escalate the conflict and save lives is welcome, the timing and potential impact of Trump's intervention are uncertain. The ongoing Russian attacks and the complex geopolitical landscape suggest that a swift resolution is unlikely. A successful outcome will require a delicate balance of diplomacy, understanding of the underlying issues, and a commitment from all parties involved.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Ukraine war, Russia, ceasefire, peace talks, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, drone attack, prisoner swap, NATO, diplomacy, conflict resolution, international relations, war, bloodbath, Russia-Ukraine war, peace agreement, cease fire, Trump Putin call, Ukraine Russia conflict

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