Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold a crucial phone call on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine. This conversation could mark a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict, which has led to substantial loss of life on both sides.

Trump Confirms Peace Agreement Progress

Ahead of the call, President Trump confirmed that he and Putin had already reached agreements on several key aspects of a potential peace deal for Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that the two leaders had planned the call to further solidify these agreements, though he acknowledged that major details were still under negotiation.

“We know that every week, 2,500 soldiers lose their lives. This must stop now. I look forward to my discussion with President Putin,” Trump stated. He emphasized that while progress had been made, a final resolution was still pending.

“We are going to try to negotiate a peace deal, a ceasefire, and real peace. I believe we can accomplish it,” Trump said in a brief comment to the press.

Zelensky and Western Leaders Remain Skeptical

Despite Trump’s optimism, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed doubt about Putin’s commitment to peace. In his nightly address on Monday, Zelensky accused the Russian leader of deliberately prolonging the war. He asserted that the proposed ceasefire could have been agreed upon long ago, warning that each day of conflict continued to cost more lives.

“Every day this war continues, more lives are lost. This proposal could have been accepted long ago,” Zelensky said.

Further complicating the situation are conflicting statements within the Trump administration itself. Following a meeting in Jeddah with Ukrainian officials, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the discussions had primarily focused on the procedural aspects of peace talks rather than concrete terms for a ceasefire.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who recently met with Putin in Moscow, offered a cautious perspective, noting that while progress had been made, significant hurdles remained.

International Pressure Grows for Peace

Leaders from the United Kingdom and France have also weighed in, urging Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace. French President Emmanuel Macron called on Putin to embrace the ceasefire proposal and bring an end to the conflict. He commended Zelensky’s willingness to accept a ceasefire but challenged Russia to do the same.

“Enough deaths. Enough destruction. The fighting must stop,” Macron declared on social media.

In the UK, Foreign Secretary David Lammy demanded that Putin accept a “full and unconditional ceasefire.” Lammy expressed skepticism about Russia’s true intentions, saying there was no evidence that Putin was seriously considering peace. He also warned that the UK and its allies had additional “options” to increase pressure on Russia if necessary.

White House Optimism Ahead of Call

As the call between Trump and Putin approaches, the White House has expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for peace in Ukraine. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Trump remains “determined” to secure a meaningful agreement.

Leavitt confirmed that one key point of discussion would likely be the fate of a power plant located on the Russia-Ukraine border, with particular focus on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Russian forces have controlled this facility since March 2022, raising concerns about the potential for a nuclear incident amid the ongoing conflict.

When asked about possible concessions during the ceasefire negotiations, Trump stated, “We will discuss land, power plants, and the division of certain assets.” These areas of discussion could play a crucial role in determining the terms of any agreement.

Kremlin’s Conditions for Peace

While Putin has publicly endorsed the idea of a ceasefire, he has also outlined several conditions for peace. One contentious issue is the status of the Western Kursk region, which Ukraine seized in August before Russia regained control of the territory. Putin now claims that the region is fully under Russian authority.

Additionally, Putin has raised concerns about how any ceasefire would be monitored and enforced, particularly along the eastern frontlines. He has also rejected the presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil, which remains a significant point of contention.

Previous Efforts at Peace Talks

Last week, Ukrainian and American diplomats met in Saudi Arabia to discuss a peace proposal. After prolonged discussions, they outlined a 30-day ceasefire plan, which Ukraine has indicated it is ready to accept. However, significant hurdles remain, with both sides still far apart on several key issues.

French President Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing that any peace agreement must come with “clear commitments” from Russia. They cautioned that without these assurances, the conflict could continue to drag on, with devastating consequences for both countries.

As the world awaits the outcome of the Trump-Putin call, the international community remains hopeful yet wary of a lasting resolution to the war in Ukraine.