Trump and Putin in conversation: Last hope for Ukraine?

Trump and Putin in conversation: Last hope for Ukraine?

Vienna, Österreich - President Donald Trump will make calls today, on May 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (4:00 p.m. CEST) to the Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this conversation, the Russian attack war in Ukraine and trade questions are on the agenda. Trump has set itself the goal of ending the conflict as quickly as possible after the Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian invasion for more than three years.

under Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, prevailed largely between Washington and Moscow. Trump, on the other hand, has already had two telephone calls with Putin since he took office in January 2025. Before the upcoming phone call, leading heads of state and government from Great Britain, the USA, Germany, France and Italy increased the pressure on Russia and discussed sanctions if the Kremlin does not seriously agree to a ceasefire.

conversations and denominational challenges

Trump announced that after the conversation with Putin he will also speak to the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj and representatives of NATO. There is increasing pressure on Ukraine because the US government under Trump has already reduced military help for Kiev. At the same time, Emmanuel Macron, the French President, demands that Putin accept the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by Trump.

The situation is tense, especially after a recent drone attack in which nine civilians were killed. Selenskyj has emphasized that the conditions that the Russian delegation presented during the peace talks are unrealistic. He also highlighted the importance of a complete and unconditional ceasefire.

international reactions and negotiation situation

Chancellor Friedrich Merz in office in office in office and attended Kiev to put additional pressure on Putin. The allies of Ukraine underline the need for Russia to seriously pursue peace talks. Despite these efforts, Russia has so far shown little accommodation; The only concession was the posting of a delegation -low delegation for negotiations in Istanbul, which took place as part of an exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war without naming a fixed time.

Russia's war diplomacy aims to reduce the support of the “collective West” for Ukraine and to isolate Ukraine internationally. The war went through different phases, and military support from the West remains crucial to create a basis for negotiation. Ukraine has changed its diplomatic strategy and presents a “peace formula” that includes a withdrawal of the Russian troops and international security guarantees.

The current developments show how complex and tense the negotiating situation is. While Russia continues to act aggressively, Germany and the western partners have to strengthen Ukraine militarily to promote peace and to enable a solution that is accepted for Ukraine.

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