Global Leaders React to Ukraine Conflict and Diplomacy

US President Donald Trump plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday in an effort to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The call comes after a Russian drone attack on a bus in northeastern Ukraine killed nine civilians, including a family of three, prompting widespread condemnation. Ukrainian officials have denounced the attack, and the international community, including British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for Russia to agree to a ceasefire. Peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow held just hours before the attack did not result in a truce, but both countries agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners.

Donald Trump said he will speak to Vladimir Putin by phone on Monday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, describing it as a "bloodbath". The call is expected to be about a ceasefire and a possible summit between the two leaders. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed preparations were underway for the call. Trump had previously suggested that progress on ending the war would only happen if he and Putin held face-to-face talks. The US and Russian leaders are expected to discuss a ceasefire, following European leaders' calls for a 30-day ceasefire in the conflict.

Russian drone strikes continued in Ukraine, killing nine people, as the Vatican renewed its offer to help the two sides reach a peace agreement. The strikes came hours after Moscow and Kyiv held their first direct peace talks in years, which failed to yield a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin for not attending the talks, and described the drone strike as a "deliberate killing of civilians." The Vatican's secretary of state repeated the Vatican's offer to serve as a venue for direct talks, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Vatican officials to discuss potential ways the Vatican could help.

President Trump stated that he plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin "as soon as we can" to discuss the ongoing Ukraine war, after Putin skipped peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey. Trump expressed that he isn't surprised by Putin's decision and believes a meeting between the two is crucial to breaking the deadlock. Ukrainian and Russian delegations held talks in Istanbul, agreeing to a potential large-scale exchange of prisoners of war and to present their visions for a possible ceasefire. Trump has pressed for a solution to the war, citing the high number of casualties, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a meeting between Putin and Trump would need to be "well prepared" but is necessary.

A Russian drone strike hit a passenger bus in northeastern Ukraine on Saturday, killing 9 people and injuring 4 others. The attack occurred just hours after Russian and Ukrainian officials held their first direct peace talks in years, but failed to reach a ceasefire agreement. Ukrainian officials described the strike as a "war crime" and a "deliberate killing of civilians." The bus was evacuating passengers from the city of Bilopillia when it was struck. A mourning period was declared, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for "tough sanctions" against Moscow if it rejects a ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with President Donald Trump and other Western allies after peace talks with Russia on Friday failed to secure a ceasefire. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a strong stance against Russia and maintaining pressure through tough sanctions if a ceasefire is not agreed upon. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to respond to an unconditional ceasefire proposal supported by the US and Europeans, indicating Russia does not want peace. Trump reiterated his desire to meet with Putin, believing their meeting could lead to a resolution, but did not specify when or what steps he would take if Putin does not agree to end the war.

Vladimir Putin appears to be scornful of Western efforts to end the Ukraine war through a ceasefire and negotiations, and Donald Trump seems willing to let him get away with it. Trump had called for Ukraine and Russia to meet for talks, but after Putin refused to agree to a 30-day ceasefire and instead suggested talks, Trump backed down and supported Putin's proposal. The Russian negotiator's message was belligerent, threatening eternal war and demanding Ukrainian troops withdraw from certain regions. Trump subsequently downplayed the talks, saying nothing would happen until he met with Putin, and avoided criticizing the Russian leader despite his refusal to agree to a ceasefire.

Russia and Ukraine are set to hold direct talks in Turkey amid ongoing conflict, with US President Donald Trump planning to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to secure a ceasefire. Recent talks in Istanbul resulted in a prisoner swap agreement but failed to achieve a ceasefire, with Russia demanding Ukraine's withdrawal from four regions it annexed in 2022. Ukraine seeks an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, followed by negotiations, while Russia wants control over Ukrainian territories, limitations on Ukraine's military, and a suspension of Western military assistance. The conflict has been ongoing since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with high stakes for both sides and the international community.

President Trump's recent Middle East tour has underscored a shift in US diplomatic priorities, with Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu becoming an afterthought. Trump met with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, and lifted sanctions on Syria, despite Israel's concerns that al-Shara is a "jihadist." Trump dismissed concerns about sidelining Israel, saying his relationships with Gulf countries are "good for Israel." The tour highlighted a new dynamic in US foreign policy, with the US focusing on negotiating peace deals in Iran and Yemen, and cutting business deals with wealthy Gulf nations. Netanyahu's spokesman denied a serious rift in relations, but Israeli officials expressed concern that Trump's actions, including a cease-fire with Houthi militants in Yemen and negotiations with Iran, are at odds with Israel's interests. Trump's shift in priorities has shaken Israelis, with reports in Israeli newspapers expressing dismay and concern about being bypassed by the US president.

President Trump visited Al Udeid, the largest US military base in the Middle East, as part of a three-day trip to the Gulf region, which also included stops in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, signaling his priorities and foreign policy direction.

Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized President Donald Trump, calling him a liar after his recent Middle East visit. Khamenei also called for the destruction of Israel, referring to it as a "cancerous tumor." He accused the US of promoting Sunni Arab dependency and criticized Trump's remarks during his trip as being of a "low level" and a "source of shame for the American nation." Trump had previously criticized Iran's regime during his trip, calling it the main force of instability in the Middle East and urging it to abandon its nuclear program.

Experts say that despite not visiting Israel, President Trump's Middle East trip presented a historic opportunity for Israel to advance its interests. Trump's visit emphasized points that directly reflect Israeli priorities, such as condemning Hamas attacks, calling for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, and warning Iran over its nuclear ambitions. Experts believe that Israel missed an opportunity to leverage its relationship with the US to advance its interests, such as normalization with Saudi Arabia and ensuring Syria's development follows a non-jihadist path. Trump's policies align closely with Israeli interests, and he has shown strong support for Israel, despite media portrayals suggesting a rift with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The UK and EU are set to hold their first bilateral summit since Brexit, with both sides seeking to strengthen ties amidst global uncertainty. Despite pre-summit negotiations being tense, particularly between the UK and France, analysts believe that both parties want the talks to succeed. The summit is expected to result in three key announcements: a joint declaration on shared foreign policy priorities, an EU-UK security and defence pact, and measures to reduce trade barriers between the two. The UK is seeking to enhance economic ties with the EU through a sector-by-sector approach, including a plant and animal health deal and a new fishing agreement. However, the UK's "red lines" on not rejoining the EU's customs union or single market will limit the ambition of any trade agreements. Other areas of discussion include a youth mobility scheme, cooperation on carbon border taxes, and simplifying energy trading. The summit is seen as a symbolic moment in improving UK-EU relations, with both sides seeking to work together on issues such as supporting Ukraine and keeping pressure on Russia.

The United Kingdom and the European Union are moving towards a new era of cooperation, driven by the changing global landscape under President Trump's America. A summit is set to take place in London, where the two sides are expected to announce a landmark defense and security agreement to bolster European military security. They may also relax rules on food trade and deepen energy cooperation. The agreement is seen as a response to the US pulling back from its global leadership role, with Trump's administration pushing Europe to take more responsibility for its defense and waging a trade war. The UK and EU have been negotiating the terms of their new relationship, with sticking points including fishing rights and a plan for youth travel between countries. Despite these challenges, leaders on both sides have emphasized the importance of cooperation in a turbulent geopolitical era.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing opposition from right-wing news media and Conservative Party lawmakers over his efforts to improve ties with the European Union, with some labeling the upcoming EU-UK summit a "surrender summit." Despite most Britons now regretting Brexit, Starmer is being cautious in his approach, avoiding "red lines" such as rejoining the EU's single economic zone or customs union. The right-wing media, which largely supported Brexit, is using language that evokes nostalgia for Britain's WWII victory, framing rapprochement with the EU as a "betrayal" of Brexit. Starmer's caution is also driven by the rise of Nigel Farage's anti-immigration Reform UK party, which has surged in opinion polls, and the Conservative Party's existential struggle on its right flank.