US President Donald Trump will again speak by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin today. Ahead of the call, Trump faces significant pressure, particularly from Europe. Leaders from Germany, France, the UK, and Poland will consult with him today. The exact topics of discussion remain unclear, though a 30-day ceasefire was initially proposed. However, US correspondent David Hammelburg doubts this will materialize.
The relationship between Trump and Putin, once described as a 'bromance,' may no longer be as strong. Hammelburg suggests Trump is frustrated because Putin is not following his script, which involves drawing a demarcation line along the current front as a basis for dividing Ukraine. Putin, however, seeks recognition for annexed regions and appears uninterested in peace, though he aims to maintain goodwill with Trump.
Hammelburg expects the call to focus on sanctions, with Putin likely pushing for their easing. Trump may condition this on Putin taking his peace plan seriously. Meanwhile, European leaders hope to align with Trump, but their proposal of a month-long ceasefire followed by negotiations has been dismissed as unrealistic by both Trump and Putin.