US President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he will speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to stop what he called the “bloodbath” in Ukraine. The call is expected to take place Monday, following the first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years.
Speaking on Truth Social, Trump said his upcoming conversation with Putin would focus on finding a way to end the violence. He added that he would also speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO leaders, expressing hope that “a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war… will end.”
Trump has been advocating for a 30-day ceasefire without conditions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to Russian state media that preparations for the phone call were underway.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov noted that a face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin could happen after both sides make progress in negotiations. Russia acknowledged the possibility but said it depends on actual agreements being reached during current diplomatic efforts.
Friday’s meeting in Istanbul resulted in a new prisoner exchange deal, with both sides agreeing to swap 1,000 detainees each. Ukrainian intelligence chief Kirillo Budanov stated that the exchange might occur next week.
Despite diplomatic developments, fighting has continued. Early Saturday, a Russian drone strike hit a minibus carrying civilians in the eastern Sumy region of Ukraine, killing nine people and injuring five. Local officials said a family of three was among the victims.
Zelensky condemned the attack, urging the global community to strengthen sanctions against Russia. “Without stronger sanctions, without stronger pressure on Russia, there will be no real diplomacy there,” he said.
Elsewhere, Russia’s military claimed it had captured the village of Oleksandropil in eastern Donetsk, an area that has seen some of the most intense battles of the conflict. Ukrainian officials also reported new missile and drone attacks in the Sumy and Kherson regions. In Kherson, a truck carrying humanitarian aid was struck by shelling.
French President Emmanuel Macron reacted to the drone attack, saying he expected Trump to respond to what he described as Putin’s “cynicism.”
Putin chose not to attend the Istanbul meeting in person, prompting Zelensky to accuse him of being “afraid” and not serious about peace. “Yesterday in Istanbul, everyone saw a weak and unprepared Russian delegation with no significant powers. This must change,” Zelensky said.
The Kremlin has maintained that discussions on a ceasefire can only move forward after both countries fulfill the prisoner swap and present clear terms for peace. Russia’s chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said both delegations would soon “present their vision of a possible future ceasefire.”
The Istanbul talks also revealed deep divisions, with Ukraine rejecting what it described as “unacceptable” territorial demands from Russia. Moscow continues to claim sovereignty over five Ukrainian regions — four since the 2022 invasion, and Crimea, annexed in 2014.
In response, European leaders have said they are coordinating with Washington to consider additional sanctions if Russia refuses to agree to a ceasefire.
