Donald Trump will speak to Vladimir Putin by phone later today – with the White House stating “we’ve never been closer to a peace deal” in Ukraine.

In a post on Truth Social, the US president mentioned he will be speaking to his Russian counterpart on Tuesday morning – adding: “A number of elements for a Final Agreement are agreed to, but much remains.”

“A considerable number of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Weekly, more than 2,500 soldier deaths occur on both sides, and it must come to an end NOW.”

While on Air Force One, Mr. Trump had previously informed reporters that land and power plants would be topics of discussion in the effort to bring the war to a close.

Following strategic consultations in Saudi Arabia between US and Ukrainian diplomats, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated last week that Kyiv was willing to accept a 30-day cease fire provided Russia would commit to it as well.

Since then, Mr. Putin has stated his agreement for fighting in Ukraine to cease – but warned of many remaining questions regarding the proposed ceasefire.

He has also met with US envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss proposal details.

It has been reported that Ukraine’s air defense units claimed to have shot down 90 out of 174 drones launched by Russia in an overnight attack on Monday.

Russia has been persistently attacking the Odesa region with drones and missiles for three weeks, according to the air force – stating that 70 other drones were disrupted in the attack.

Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper mentioned a civilian was injured during the strikes, which caused damage to a kindergarten, a house, a shop, and a car.

Security Detail for Biden’s children revoked

In further news, Mr. Trump announced on Truth Social that he is immediately ending Secret Service protection for children of Joe Biden.

He claimed 18 agents were assigned to Hunter Biden’s security detail during their time in South Africa this week – and noted Ashley Biden had 13 agents who “will be taken off the list”.