**Trump to Discuss Ceasefire and Trade with Putin**
US President Donald Trump has announced that he will be speaking by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, May 19. The call comes as peace talks in Istanbul last week failed to make a breakthrough, with Russia making sweeping demands of Ukraine.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the subjects of the call would be stopping the “bloodbath” that is killing an average of over 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade. He also plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and various members of NATO.
Trump has been critical of the peace talks, which he believes are not making progress without his involvement. In an interview with Fox News last week, he said that if negotiations fail, his administration will move forward with sanctions against Moscow. He also expressed his confidence in being able to strike a deal with Putin, saying “I have a very good relationship with Putin”.
The call comes amid growing frustration from Europe and the international community over Russia’s demands. The UK and other European countries have been urging Trump to take a stronger stance against Russia.
**Analysis**
Trump’s decision to speak with Putin is seen as an attempt to revive stalled peace talks in Ukraine. However, experts are skeptical about the prospects of success given Russia’s insistence on neutral status for Ukraine and other conditions that would amount to a surrender by Kyiv.
The timing of Trump’s call also raises questions about his motivations. Critics argue that he is trying to capitalize on the situation to boost his own profile ahead of potential 2024 election.
**Background**
Last week, peace talks in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine failed to make progress, with Russia making sweeping demands of Ukraine. The US has been involved in efforts to revive peace talks, but so far without success.
The phone call between Trump and Putin is just the latest development in a complex diplomatic dance that has been playing out for months. It remains to be seen what will come out of this conversation and whether it will mark a turning point in the conflict.
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