Trump’s Bold Move: Plans Monday Call with Putin, Zelenskyy & NATO—Ceasefire Coming?

In a headline-making move straight out of a political thriller, Donald Trump just announced plans to dial up Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and NATO leaders this coming Monday, May 19, 2025, in an effort to hash out a possible ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. The former president, now dominating headlines again, claims he’ll be the guy to “stop the bloodbath” that’s tearing Eastern Europe apart.

Trump, who’s never shied away from controversial foreign policy plays, says these calls will aim to kick-start a real conversation on ending hostilities—something even Istanbul peace talks couldn’t fully pull off last week. And yeah, there’s a trade angle too. Buckle up, folks—this could be big.

Trump’s Bold Move: Ceasefire Coming

Donald Trump’s upcoming calls with Putin, Zelenskyy, and NATO may sound like classic political theater—but don’t write it off just yet. In a world starving for diplomacy, even a controversial figure can shift the conversation. Whether this leads to an actual ceasefire or just more headlines remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the world will be watching come Monday morning.

Why Trump’s Monday Move Matters

Let’s break it down: the Russia-Ukraine war has dragged on for over three years, with neither side blinking. The death toll is climbing, economies are limping, and civilians are paying the price. Trump’s upcoming calls may be the first coordinated outreach attempt by a major U.S. political figure since the conflict reignited in 2022.

This isn’t some random call list. Trump is targeting the key players:

• Putin, who has insisted Ukraine abandon all claims to the Donbas and Crimea
• Zelenskyy, standing firm on Ukraine’s sovereignty
• NATO, which supports Ukraine militarily but is cautious about escalation

His aim? Broker a pause—maybe more.

What’s Going On With Russia and Ukraine Right Now?

To catch everyone up: the war has shifted into a grinding trench-style conflict. According to Reuters, Russia recently told Ukraine to withdraw from all “Russian” territories before agreeing to any ceasefire. That includes not just Crimea, but even more of the Donbas—a major ask.

Ukraine, on the flip side, wants an immediate 30-day ceasefire, no strings attached. Both sides agreed to a 1,000-prisoner swap in Istanbul, but couldn’t agree on much else.

So yeah, we’re still stuck in no-man’s land.

Trump’s Strategy: Ceasefire + Trade Talks

According to Time Magazine, Trump’s Monday calls will begin with Putin at 10 AM EDT, followed by Zelenskyy and NATO officials. The agenda reportedly includes:

• “Stopping the bloodbath”: Trump claims 5,000+ soldiers die weekly
• Trade discussions: Possibly hinting at lifting some economic constraints if peace is achieved
• Long-term solutions: He says the talks will “set the tone for stability in Europe”

And while some skeptics are brushing this off as a political stunt, it’s hard to ignore the timing. The 2024 U.S. election aftermath, global supply chain worries, and NATO tensions are all peaking.

Can Trump Actually Pull This Off?

That’s the million-dollar question. Trump has a mixed record on international diplomacy:

• He was the first U.S. president to meet with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un—but no deal stuck.
• He withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal.
• His relationship with NATO? Let’s just say it was… rocky.

Still, love him or hate him, Trump knows how to command attention—and sometimes, that’s what diplomacy needs. If he can get Putin and Zelenskyy on the same call sheet, that’s already a win for dialogue.

What Are the Risks?

Experts warn this could backfire if Trump’s words don’t match official U.S. policy. According to The Washington Post, the White House hasn’t backed his move.

Potential pitfalls:

• Mixed signals to NATO, which might see this as undermining alliance unity
• Legitimizing Russian demands, which could isolate Ukraine further
• Fueling election rhetoric, instead of long-term diplomacy

But again, if a ceasefire results—even temporary—it could save thousands of lives.

Global Reactions: Split but Watching Closely

Ukraine’s Response:

Zelenskyy hasn’t officially commented on Trump’s planned call, but insiders suggest he’s wary. Ukraine wants U.S. backing, not mixed messaging.

Russia’s Mood:

Putin, always the opportunist, may welcome the call—especially if it splits Western pressure. His spokesperson reportedly said the Kremlin is “open to all sincere diplomatic efforts.”

NATO & Europe:

Some leaders are cautious. Germany’s foreign minister said, “We will judge these talks by outcomes, not announcements.”

Also worth noting: Europe is threatening new sanctions, including a ban on Nord Stream 2, to force Russia’s hand.

What This Means for the Average American

You might be wondering, “Okay, but how does this affect me?” Great question. If a ceasefire happens:

• Energy prices could stabilize. Europe buys from Russia, and any peace deal could boost global supply.
• Food inflation might ease. Ukraine is a top wheat exporter—less war, more food security.
• Global markets tend to breathe easier during peace, which affects your 401(k) and investments.

So yeah, even across the pond, this has real-world impact for folks like you and me.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Trump officially part of U.S. foreign policy now?
A: Nope. He’s acting as a private citizen. The current administration hasn’t endorsed his initiative.

Q2: What are the chances of a ceasefire actually happening?
A: Tough to say. It depends on how flexible both sides are and whether NATO aligns.

Q3: Why now?
A: Possibly to influence ongoing diplomatic talks, upcoming NATO meetings, or political attention in the U.S.

Q4: Will this affect gas prices in the U.S.?
A: It could. Any sign of de-escalation in Europe usually impacts global oil markets positively.

Q5: Has Trump done this kind of thing before?
A: Yes, with North Korea and even during his presidency with Middle East peace accords (like the Abraham Accords).