Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Break Down—Trump to Speak with Putin and Zelenskyy Monday
Efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine hit a major setback this week as high-stakes peace talks in Istanbul fell apart without any agreement. In response, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will hold separate calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this coming Monday in an attempt to restart negotiations.
The Istanbul meeting marked the first face-to-face dialogue between Russian and Ukrainian delegates in nearly three years. Hopes were high, but the talks quickly collapsed due to major disagreements, particularly over Ukraine’s sovereignty, NATO involvement, and the status of Russian-occupied territories.
Trump Aims to Reignite Peace Efforts
Speaking from Mar-a-Lago, Trump told reporters that he would personally call both Putin and Zelenskyy to “put an end to the bloodshed.” He described the ongoing war as a “tragedy for humanity,” claiming that “thousands are dying weekly” and “the world cannot afford to stand by.”
Trump added that his goal is to help negotiate a ceasefire agreement and potentially discuss economic incentives and trade guarantees for both nations if they agree to peace terms. His announcement has stirred global interest, as many are curious whether his direct approach could produce results where traditional diplomacy has failed.
Stalemate in Istanbul
The Istanbul talks broke down after Russia’s delegation refused to consider a full withdrawal from Ukrainian territories, and Ukraine firmly rejected any territorial concessions. Putin did not attend the talks in person, instead sending mid-level officials with limited negotiating power—a move seen by many as a sign of bad faith.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for unconditional peace and continued military support from the West. Meanwhile, Russia carried out new drone strikes in Ukraine within hours of the failed negotiations, killing at least nine people in the city of Sumy, according to Ukrainian officials.
Global Reactions and Concerns
The breakdown in peace talks has alarmed global leaders and raised fresh concerns about the long-term stability of Eastern Europe. The European Union has threatened additional economic sanctions on Russian oil and gas, while NATO has increased surveillance operations near conflict zones.
Critics argue that any deal brokered by Trump must be carefully evaluated to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence are respected. Others see his willingness to engage both sides as a potential turning point—if handled with transparency and diplomatic coordination.
What’s Next?
The world will be watching closely on Monday as Trump holds back-to-back conversations with both leaders. Whether his efforts can revive stalled diplomacy or add new pressure to both sides remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the urgency for a peaceful resolution has never been greater.
