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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Trump said the goal of the conversation is to stop what he described as the ongoing “bloodbath” in Ukraine. The war, which began in February 2022, has caused tens of thousands of deaths and forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes.

Trump shared the news on Truth Social, his own social media platform. He also said that after speaking with Putin, he would talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several NATO officials. These calls, according to Trump, are part of his personal mission to end the war.

“It is time to bring peace and stop the killing,” Trump posted. “I believe it can be done, but only if we talk directly. No more delay.”

A Key Pledge in Trump’s Campaign

The call with Putin is tied to Trump’s ongoing campaign for re-election. He has made ending the Russia-Ukraine war one of his main promises. Trump has said many times that only he can bring both sides to the table and make peace happen quickly.

During several recent campaign rallies, Trump told supporters he could end the war “in 24 hours” if re-elected. Critics say that promise is too bold, but his supporters believe his strong relationship with world leaders could help reach a deal.

Trump has also argued that President Joe Biden’s approach to the war has failed. He claims that under his leadership, Russia would never have invaded Ukraine in the first place.

US Steps Up Pressure on Moscow

While Trump prepares for talks, the U.S. government is also increasing diplomatic efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday. The conversation focused on possible steps toward peace.

Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, confirmed the call. She said that the U.S. continues to push for direct talks and wants to avoid more bloodshed.

The timing of Trump’s announcement is also important. It came less than a day after the latest round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine failed. These talks were held in Turkey, but they ended with no deal.

Russia Makes Demands, Ukraine Pushes Back

During the meeting in Turkey, Russia demanded that Ukraine give up four regions that Moscow claims as its own. These areas — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson — were part of illegal annexation efforts by Russia in 2022.

But Ukraine quickly rejected the demand. Officials in Kyiv said the country would not give away land in exchange for peace. Instead, they asked for a full and unconditional ceasefire.

Ukrainian leaders also urged the international community, including the United States, to support a 30-day ceasefire plan. This plan, backed by Western allies, would stop all fighting for one month and give both sides time to talk. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin refused the offer.

Putin Rejects Zelenskyy’s Meeting Offer

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also offered to meet Putin face-to-face. But the Russian leader declined. Instead, Putin said that he would only consider “unconditional negotiations” in Istanbul. This means talks without pre-set terms, which Ukraine sees as a trap to delay progress or legitimize Russia’s occupation.

Soon after the failed talks, a tragic event occurred. Russian drones attacked a civilian bus in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy. Local officials say at least nine people were killed, and seven others were hurt. Most of the victims were elderly women who were on their way home.

The deadly strike was seen by many as a sign that Russia is not serious about peace. Attacks on civilian areas have continued throughout the conflict, despite repeated calls to protect non-combatants.

The Largest Prisoner Swap Yet

Even though the peace talks failed, there was one small sign of cooperation. Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war on each side. This is the largest prisoner swap since the war began.

Human rights groups welcomed the news, saying that such exchanges help ease the suffering of families. But they also stressed that one good step is not enough to end the war.

Trump’s upcoming talks with Putin and Zelenskyy will be watched closely around the world. While many are doubtful about what can be achieved, some hope that his direct style and past relationship with Putin could open the door for peace talks.

Still, many questions remain. Will Putin listen? Will Trump be able to convince both sides to make concessions? And how will the U.S. government balance Trump’s private talks with its official foreign policy?

At the same time, the war continues. Every day, more people are injured or killed. Cities remain under threat. And millions still live in fear.

The road to peace is long and full of hard choices. But for now, the world watches and waits to see what these new talks may bring.