Trump to hold call with Putin in test of deal-making strength

18/3/2025 13:48

U.S. President Donald Trump will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in an attempt to convince his counterpart to accept a ceasefire in Russia's war with Ukraine and move toward a more permanent end to the three-year conflict.



The high-stakes call will serve as a test of Trump's touted deal-making skills and of his prized relationship with the Russian leader, which has left traditional U.S. allies wary.



Trump said in a social media post on Monday, "Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains."



"Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW. I look very much forward to the call with President Putin."



Ukraine, which Trump has previously described as being harder to work with than Russia, has agreed to the U.S. proposed 30-day truce. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.