President Donald Trump has announced plans to hold phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday to advocate for a ceasefire in Ukraine. This initiative follows recent in-person peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, which ended without a ceasefire agreement but included a major agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war on each side. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed preparations for the call with Trump and hinted that a summit with Zelenskyy might be possible if further agreements are reached. The situation remains dire, with Ukraine's position weakening unless further military and economic support from Western allies is secured. apnews.com
In the meantime, tensions continue to escalate as a Russian drone strike on a civilian evacuation bus in Bilopillia killed nine people and injured seven, provoking international outrage and calls for tougher sanctions against Moscow. Zelenskyy and European leaders condemned the attack and urged immediate peace efforts. Trump has expressed growing frustration with the stalled negotiations and emphasized the need for a direct meeting with Putin. The situation on the ground remains dire, with Ukraine's position weakening unless further military and economic support from Western allies is secured. apnews.com