Donald Trump will hold talks with Vladimir Putin regarding a potential ceasefire with Ukraine today, following Russia’s most intense drone strike since the beginning of the conflict.
The US president announced on Truth Social he will contact his Russian counterpart around 3pm UK time to press for the “BLOODBATH” to end and to discuss trade.
Trump also plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO members.
“LET’S HOPE IT’S A PRODUCTIVE DAY, WE GET A CEASEFIRE AND THIS WAR, WHICH NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED, FINDS AN END,” Trump stated.
“GOD BLESS US ALL!!!” he added.
Ukraine reported approximately 273 exploding drones were launched at Kyiv and the regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk between Saturday night and early Sunday, marking the heaviest aerial assault of this type since the start of the ongoing conflict.
In Kyiv, the assault resulted in the death of a 28-year-old woman and injuries to three others, including a four-year-old child, as announced by regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome during the inauguration of Pope Leo to further discuss the escalating tensions and urged a swift unilateral ceasefire.
In a social media post, Zelenskyy confirmed the meeting as productive and emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to diplomatic efforts and the immediate necessity of a full ceasefire.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also engaged in talks with Mr. Trump along with other European leaders to strategize for the upcoming discussion with Mr. Putin, again pressing for an unconditional ceasefire and indicating potential sanctions if Russia fails to engage constructively in peace talks.
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Recap of Putin and Zelenskyy’s only face-to-face encounter
This marks the second occasion within a span of three days that the prime minister and other European leaders have spoken with Mr. Trump on the subject of Russia’s activities.
