Trump and Putin to Discuss Steps Toward Ending the Ukraine Conflict on Tuesday

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, aiming to advance efforts to conclude the ongoing war in Ukraine. This dialogue represents a significant opportunity for both leaders to influence the trajectory of the conflict and potentially reshape international relations.

President Trump announced the planned discussion to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening, expressing optimism about the progress made over the weekend. He stated, "We will see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday. I will be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work's been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can bring that war to an end." The Kremlin confirmed Putin's participation on Monday, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting that while the call is scheduled, specific details would not be disclosed in advance.

The discussions are expected to address critical issues such as territorial disputes and control over key infrastructure, including power plants. Trump mentioned that the talks would involve "dividing up certain assets," highlighting the complexity of negotiations required to achieve a lasting peace. Notably, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest, has been a focal point due to its strategic importance and the risks associated with its contested status.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff recently visited Moscow to lay the groundwork for these negotiations, underscoring the administration's commitment to facilitating a resolution. However, challenges persist, as Russia maintains control over significant portions of Ukrainian territory, including areas annexed in 2022, such as the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, as well as Crimea, annexed in 2014. Russian President Putin has previously demanded Ukraine's withdrawal from these regions as a precondition for peace.

European allies have expressed caution regarding Trump's rapport with Putin and his firm stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Concerns revolve around the potential implications for NATO's role in the region and the broader balance of power in Europe.

As the international community closely monitors these developments, the upcoming conversation between Trump and Putin holds the potential to mark a pivotal moment in the pursuit of peace in Ukraine. The outcomes of this dialogue could significantly influence the future of the region and the dynamics of global diplomacy.