President Donald Trump is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, a White House official confirmed to The Hill. The call is scheduled to take place one day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington, where he is set to meet with Trump at the White House.
The timing of the conversation has drawn attention, coming as Trump shifts his diplomatic focus toward resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022, and the conflict has continued for more than three years with heavy casualties and limited progress toward peace. Trump criticized Putin’s handling of the war, saying that Russia’s inability to secure a decisive victory was damaging to its global image. “I don’t know why he continues with this war,” Trump said. “He should have won that war in one week.”
Trump has indicated that his administration’s next major foreign policy priority is to help broker an end to the war, following his recent involvement in facilitating a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East. However, his recent remarks about Putin and Russia’s performance in the conflict have sparked debate about how he intends to approach the issue.
Trump’s Frustration With Russia’s Prolonged campaign
Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Putin in recent weeks, particularly after their meeting in Alaska in August. That discussion reportedly ended without any concrete progress toward peace or a scheduled summit between Putin and Zelensky.
Trump added that the prolonged fighting has been counterproductive for Russia’s international standing. “He just doesn’t want to end that war. And I think it’s making him look very bad,” he said. Despite his criticism of Putin, Trump also acknowledged Ukraine’s unexpected resilience, saying, “I have to tell you, I give credit because who would think that Ukraine could have fought Russia for four years to essentially a standstill.”
The White House did not provide further details about the agenda for the upcoming call between Trump and Putin. However, officials familiar with the discussions have suggested that Trump may attempt to push for renewed talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
Zelensky is set to arrive in Washington on Friday, where he will meet with Trump and key members of the administration. His visit comes amid ongoing Russian strikes across Ukraine, as well as new Ukrainian appeals for Western assistance to sustain its defenses and rebuild damaged infrastructure.
In a statement posted on X, Zelensky confirmed that his schedule will include meetings not only with Trump but also with representatives from U.S. defense and energy companies, as well as members of Congress. “There will be several other important meetings – with defense companies, and possibly with senators and members of Congress. I will also meet with energy companies. This is necessary – it was President Trump’s proposal – and I will meet with these companies because there are pressing needs linked to various formats of attacks, not even the attacks that Russia has already carried out. In any case, we must be prepared. So, it will be helpful.” Zelensky said.
Published: Oct 16, 2025 01:25 pm