Inside Trump’s ‘candid’ 2hr Putin call from first-name terms to family chat as details emerge from Ukraine peace talks
DONALD Trump and Vladimir Putin held a "candid" two-hour phone call on Monday afternoon in a desperate bid to end the three year-long war in Ukraine.
The US President said the negotiations are set to begin "immediately" as Vladimir Putin has finally admitted he must make a deal.
The US President claimed that Putin - who he is on first-name basis with - "wants to stop" the war, adding that negotiations towards a ceasefire will start immediately.
But he warned that there are some "big egos" involved which could make negotiations difficult.
Putin spoke to Russian state media after coming off the call and admitted that he must make a peace deal with Ukraine.
He described the conversation as "very productive" and "quite candid" that was "highly useful".
The tyrant also said that Russia is "ready to work with the Ukrainian side" on a possible future peace agreement, but both sides must be willing to compromise.
According to Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, the call began with mad Vlad congratulating Trump "on the birth of his eleventh grandson" after his daughter Tiffany gave birth last Thursday.
The pair soon delved into the bloody war in Ukraine, taking into account the recent direct talks in Istanbul that failed to bear fruit.
The Trump administration's role in bringing both Moscow and Kyiv to the negotiating table was also noted as positive by mad Vlad.
But a deadline or timeframe for a ceasefire in Ukraine wasn't discussed - but "Trump, of course, emphasised his interest in reaching an agreement as soon as possible," Putin puppet Ushakov added.
The pair did however talk of another prisoner exchange between Russia and the US, with "another such exchange of nine for nine people" being "worked out".
Zelensky also spoke out on Monday evening to reassert his "red lines" for a peace deal.
The Ukrainian President insisted that he would not give into Russia's territory demands, saying: "Ukraine won’t withdraw its troops on its own territories."
Ushakov also revealed how Trump apparently said: "Vladimir, you can pick up the phone at any time, and I will be happy to answer, I will be happy to talk to you."
Zelensky spoke with Trump "for a few minutes" before his chat with Putin.
The pair spoke again after the call as Trump debriefed a select group of European leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Friedrich Merz and Alexander Stubb.
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Putin ‘to intimidate Ukraine and West with nuclear missile test launch tonight’
Vladimir Putin is poised to use “intimidation tactics” tonight with the launch of a nuclear-capable Yars missile, according to Ukrainian military intelligence.
The “combat training” firing is scheduled to come hours before the Russian dictator is scheduled to speak by phone to Donald Trump, according to the GUR secret service.
“The purpose of the launch is to put demonstrative pressure on and intimidate Ukraine, as well as EU and NATO member states,” said the military intelligence agency.
The test launch with training ammunition is due from near Svobodny in the Sverdlovsk region, and the flight some 6,200 miles-plus.
Putin missile launch comes as he is under US pressure to agree to a ceasefire in the war - something he has so far shown no inclination to agree.
The US is planning a similar launch of its Minuteman III ICBM this week.
Russia’s launch - if it happens - is by the 433rd regiment of the 42nd division of the 31st army of the country’s strategic missile forces of the aggressor state.
Russia to launch âtraining-combatâ Yars ICBMCredit: East2West German chancellor says he wants to speak to Trump before Putin call
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Trump to speak to him, along with the UK, France and Poland, before the US President has a call with Vladimir Putin tomorrow.
Merz said he brought up the issue with Marco Rubio while they attended the Pope's Inaugural Mass today, adding that he spoke at length with Ukrainian leader Zelensky.
The Chancellor told reporters: "I spoke with Marco Rubio, including about the call tomorrow.
"We agreed that we will speak again with the four state leaders and the US president in preparation of this conversation [with Putin]."
Pictures: Pope Leo XIV meets with Zelensky
Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska at the end of the Inauguration Mass In St. Peter's Square today.
Credit: Getty 
Credit: Getty 
Credit: Getty
Trump-Putin phone call to take place Monday at 10am
Trump announced plans to speak with Putin to put an end to what he calls a “bloodbath” and "a very violent war" that “should have never happened”.
The US president said he’ll follow up with a call to Zelensky and later consult with NATO leaders.
“I will be speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday at 10:00am,” said Trump.
“The subjects of the call will be - stopping the ‘bloodbath’ that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade.”
Vatican could be a venue for Russia-Ukraine talks, Rubio says
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday that the Vatican could be a venue for Russia-Ukraine peace talks, taking up the Holy See's longstanding offer after Pope Leo XIV vowed to personally make every effort to help end the war.
Speaking to reporters in Rome before meeting with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Vatican point man on Ukraine, Rubio said that he would be discussing potential ways the Vatican could help, the status of the talks, the updates after yesterday (Friday) and the path forward.
Asked if the Vatican could be a peace broker, Rubio replied: "I wouldnt call it broker, but its certainly I think its a place that both sides would be comfortable going.
"So we'll talk about all of that and obviously always grateful to the Vatican for their willingness to play this constructive and positive role," said Rubio, who also met Saturday with the Vatican secretary of state and foreign minister.
Russia's Lavrov notes 'positive role' of US in talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by telephone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and said he welcomed the "positive role" of the United States in helping to secure a resumption of talks between Russia and Ukraine.
A Russian foreign ministry statement quoted Lavrov as saying contacts would continue.
Rubio was quoted as telling the CBS news program "Face the Nation" that Lavrov said the Russians were "working on a series of ideas and requirements that they would have in order to move forward with a ceasefire and further negotiations."
Russia prepares Putin's call with Trump
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed in comments to Russian media that preparations were underway for Mondays call.
President Donald Trump said that he plans to speak by phone Monday with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders of various NATO countries, about ending the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky says discussed fresh sanctions against Russia with Canada's PM
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday he had discussed fresh sanctions against Russia in a meeting with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney.
"We spoke in detail about which sanctions can be effective -- including secondary sanctions, energy-related measures, and sanctions against the shadow fleet," the Russian ships getting around existing measures, Zelensky posted on X.
Germany, Italy say Europe's leaders 'far from' talks on troop deployment in Ukraine
Europe is a long way from talking about deploying troops in Ukraine as all its efforts are currently focused on securing an unconditional ceasefire from Russia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday.
"The next step must be that the format for peace talks is made clear, as well as which security guarantees could possibly, one day, be necessary for Ukraine," Merz said, describing these matters as currently unforeseeable.
"There is no reason to talk about [troops] at the moment, we are far from that. We want the weapons to stop, the killing to end ... these are the questions we are dedicated to now, and no others," he added.
The leaders of France, Germany, Britain and Poland, together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, met on the sidelines of a summit in Albania on Friday to discuss the situation. They also called U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on Saturday he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
Will Putin ever meet Zelensky?
The Kremlin had said that a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be possible only after both sides reach an agreement.
That came a day after direct talks between the two countries led to an agreement for another exchange of prisoners.
Canada PM Carney reaffirms support for Ukraine in first meeting with Zelensky
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday reaffirmed the country's support for Ukraine in his first face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since winning the election.
"Canadian people will stand in steadfast and unwavering support ... we underscore that there can be no peace without the full support and participation of Ukraine, and that you have our absolute support," Carney told Zelensky.
The leaders met while in Rome to attend the inaugural mass of newly elected Pope Leo on Sunday at the Vatican.
Vatican could be a venue for Russia-Ukraine talks, Rubio says
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said today that the Vatican could be a venue for Russia-Ukraine peace talks, after Pope Leo XIV vowed to personally make every effort to help end the war.
Speaking to reporters in Rome before meeting with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Vatican point man on Ukraine, Rubio said that he would be discussing potential ways the Vatican could help, the status of the talks, the updates after yesterday (Friday) and the path forward.
Asked if the Vatican could be a peace broker, Rubio replied: "I wouldnt call it a broker, but its certainly I think it's a place that both sides would be comfortable going.
"So we'll talk about all of that and obviously always grateful to the Vatican for their willingness to play this constructive and positive role, "said Rubio, who also met Saturday with the Vatican secretary of state and foreign minister.
The Vatican has a tradition of diplomatic neutrality and had long offered its services and venues to try to help facilitate talks, but found itself sidelined during the all-out war, which began in 2022.
Largest ever Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap could take place WITHIN DAYS
The largest ever "1,000 for 1,000" prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine could take place next week, reports claim.
Both countries have apparently agreed to trade 1,000 each during negotiations in Turkey on Friday.
The Kyiv Independent has reported that Ukraine’s military intelligence chief sees no “obstacles” to this happening.
Kyrylo Budanov said he “hopes” it will happen “next week”.
He added: “I don’t see any obstacles to this”.
Former Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) arrive after a prisoner swap with Russia on May 6Credit: Reuters Trump says he hopes his talks on Monday will end the 'bloodbath'
The US president wrote in a on his social network Truth Social: "I WILL BE SPEAKING, BY TELEPHONE, TO PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN OF RUSSIA ON MONDAY, AT 10:00 A.M.
"THE SUBJECTS OF THE CALL WILL BE, STOPPING THE “BLOODBATH” THAT IS KILLING, ON AVERAGE, MORE THAN 5000 RUSSIAN AND UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS A WEEK, AND TRADE.
"I WILL THEN BE SPEAKING TO PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY OF UKRAINE AND THEN, WITH PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY, VARIOUS MEMBERS OF NATO.
"HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE A PRODUCTIVE DAY, A CEASEFIRE WILL TAKE PLACE, AND THIS VERY VIOLENT WAR, A WAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED, WILL END. GOD BLESS US ALL!!!"
'Putin and I have to get together,' says Trump
US President Trump has said that he and mad Vladimir Putin will "have to get together" to talk about peace in Ukraine.
The Republican said during an interview with Fox News in Abu Dhabi: "I have a very good relationship with Putin. I think we’ll make a deal. We have to get together, and I think we’ll probably schedule it up."
It comes after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone call on Saturday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump says 'nobody uses leverage better than me'
US President Trump has said that "nobody uses leverage better than me" when asked if he would pressure mad Vladimir Putin
He said during a Fox News interview that he "will" put some pressure onto Vlad over Ukraine "if we're not going to make a deal".
Trump added: "We’ll see what happens – that will be crushing for Russia.
"Nobody uses leverage better than me."
Lavrov discusses US-Russia contact with Rubio on phone
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone call on Saturday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio,
In the call, he welcomed the "positive role" of the United States in helping to secure a resumption of talks between Russia and Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also said on its Telegram channel that Lavrov had agreed with Rubio to continue further contacts between Russia and the United States.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov looks on prior to a meeting between the Russian and Zimbabwean presidents in MoscowCredit: AFP UK foreign sec 'appalled' by Russian drone strike
UK foreign secretary David Lammy has said he is "appalled" by Russia's Sumy attack that has killed at least nine civilians that were on a bus.
He said on X: "Appalled by Russia’s attack in Sumy, mere hours after talks in Türkiye.
"If Putin is serious about peace, Russia must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as Ukraine has done."
Major prisoner swap 'expected next week'
A major prisoner swap is likely to take place next week after being agreed by Russia and Ukraine, according to local media.
The Kyiv Independent has reported that Ukraine's military intelligence chief sees no "obstacles" to this happening.
Kyrylo Budanov said he "hopes" it will happen "next week".
He added: "I don't see any obstacles to this".
Putin-Zelensky meeting is 'next step,' says Ukraine
Ukrainian defence minister Rustem Umerov has said that the "next step" would be a meeting between the country's President Zelensky and Russian dictator Putin.
Umerov headed Ukraine's delegation in Turkey.
Kremlin's spokesman told reporters on Saturday: "We consider it possible, but only as a result of the work and upon achieving certain results in the form of an agreement between the two sides."
Russia's top negotiator Vladimir Medinksy said Moscow and Kyiv would "present their vision of a possible future ceasefire" - but didn't say when.
'Trump will react to cynicism of drone attack,' says Macron
French President Macron has accused Putin of cynicism and said that Russia has failed to respect ceasefire proposals backed by the US and other Western nations.
The French leader reiterated that a European coalition of the willing is ready to give Ukraine security guarantees and exert pressure on Russia - something he said he expected Trump would support.
Macron said: "Faced with President Putin's cynicism, I believe that ... in fact, I'm sure that President Trump, concerned about the credibility of the United States of America, will react."
France's President Emmanuel Macron gives an address during the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Priority Europe Summit today
Pictured: Emergency services working at drone strike site
Turkey hopes for 'definitive result' from peace talks
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he hoped to obtain a definitive result from peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
On Friday, delegates from the warring countries met in Istanbul for their first face-to-face peace talks since March 2022 - the month after Russia invaded its neighbour, but the sides failed to reach agreement on a ceasefire.
Erdogan said that Turkey was determined to continue its mediation role between its Black Sea neighbours Ukraine and Russia, adding that dialogue and negotiations should continue between the warring parties to achieve peace.
Putin-Zelensky meeting only possible after certain agreements, say Kremlin
Putin puppet Dmitry Peskov has said that the Russian dictator could meet Zelensky - but only after certain agreements are made.
Mad Vlad didn't attend Russia-Ukraine peace talks despite Zelensky challenging to meet him face-to-face.
Peskov failed to specify what agreements would be required and refused to comment on terms Russia presented in the crunch talks in Turkey.
He did however say that one issue for Russia is wondering who on the Ukrainian side would sign documents.
Peskov also revealed there had been no contact with the US and that they will announce a conversation with President Trump if it's considered useful.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends a meeting between Russia's President Vladimir Putin and President of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia Badra GunbaCredit: Reuters Dad, mum and daughter killed in Russian drone attack
Zelensky has slammed the "deliberate killing of civilians" after a Russian drone heinously hit a bus in northern Ukraine.
Nine people have been killed, authorities say, with seven wounded, according to the Ukrainian President.
He said: "There are currently seven wounded people in hospitals following a Russian drone strike on an ordinary passenger bus.
"The victims have suffered burns, fractures, and blast injuries."
And according to other reports, Zelensky said, Russia "killed a family".
This includes "a father, mother, and daughter".
The brave leader added: "All the deceased were civilians.
"And the Russians could not have failed to understand what kind of vehicle they were targeting. This was a deliberate killing of civilians."