U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold a critical phone conversation today, lasting “for as long as they deem necessary,” according to a Kremlin statement this morning.
The discussion, scheduled between 1 PM and 3 PM UK time, is expected to cover the war in Ukraine, Russia’s demands, and efforts to normalize U.S.-Russia relations, according to The Telegraph.
Trump Hints at Possible Territorial Concessions
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump suggested that negotiations had already included discussions on “dividing up assets” and that he planned to speak to Putin about “land and power plants.”
According to sources familiar with the talks, Trump is considering recognizing Crimea as Russian territory in an effort to strike a peace deal. However, such a move would likely require Ukraine to make territorial concessions, a step that could face fierce opposition from Ukrainian leaders and Western allies.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Putin last week rejected a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, stating that while he agreed “in principle,” certain “nuances” still needed to be resolved.
Meanwhile, Ukraine—which has already agreed to back a ceasefire—has stated that it is awaiting further clarification from today’s discussions.
As negotiations unfold, the question remains: Will today’s call bring real progress or just another diplomatic deadlock?
On the frontlines of Ukraine, soldiers remain deeply skeptical that today’s ceasefire talks will lead to any permanent resolution.
A volunteer fighter with Ukraine’s International Legion, call sign Archer, who commands a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), told The Telegraph that most troops believe any ceasefire will be temporary—merely giving both sides time to rearm before fighting resumes.
“From the Ukrainian point of view, this ceasefire won’t mean much. It will just allow both sides to recruit, re-equip, and stockpile heavy weapons. No one expects it to lead to a permanent halt in the war,” Archer said.
He also cast doubt on Putin’s demands, particularly the insistence that Ukraine be demilitarized and NATO peacekeepers be excluded.
“Do you think a country he just invaded is going to agree to that?” he added.
Frontline Soldiers Skeptical of Ceasefire Talks
Despite the diplomatic uncertainty and strained relations between Kyiv and Washington, Ukrainian and foreign fighters remain resolute.
“Everyone’s tired, sure, but their hearts and minds are stronger than anyone outside Ukraine thinks. They are disciplined soldiers who will hold their lines. The fight is still ongoing, and everyone is still behind it.”
Archer, who fought in last year’s Kremlin spring offensive near the northeastern border town of Vovchansk, anticipates another spring offensive by Moscow this year.
There are growing indications that Russian forces are amassing near Sumy, fueling speculation that a new offensive is imminent. However, Archer remains unconvinced that Russia will make significant gains.
“They will push in a bit, and then the Ukrainians will push them back—just like we did last year in Vovchansk.”
As Trump and Putin negotiate, European nations are ramping up pressure on Moscow to accept a ceasefire agreement.
Leaders from Germany, France, and other European countries have pledged up to €40 billion ($43.5 billion) in military aid for Ukraine this year, warning that a similar amount may be needed in future years to deter further Russian aggression.
The coming weeks will determine whether today’s Trump-Putin conversation leads to concrete steps toward peace or merely a temporary pause in the conflict.
