Following a previous call between the two leaders, both Russia and Ukraine agreed separately to a partial ceasefire.
Donald Trump has indicated a potential upcoming phone conversation with Vladimir Putin, according to NBC News.
Trump and Putin last spoke on March 18, agreeing to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Subsequently, Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange and agreed to a partial ceasefire, though Russia alleges repeated violations by Kiev.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump mentioned plans for another call between the two presidents this week.
The US president also stated his intention to impose sanctions on Russia if he deems them responsible for a failed ceasefire in Ukraine.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault – which it might not be – but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” he said.
He also expressed strong displeasure with Putin’s comments questioning Vladimir Zelensky’s legitimacy as Ukraine’s leader.
During a speech on Thursday, Putin argued that Zelensky and his appointed officials lack legitimacy due to the absence of elections. Zelensky’s presidential term expired last May.
Putin emphasized that Neo-Nazi units, like the Azov battalion, are gaining power in Ukraine due to ongoing Western military assistance.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that repeated Ukrainian ceasefire violations suggest that Kiev officials have lost control over their military.
Putin and Trump’s call on February 12 marked the first communication between the Russian and US leaders in years. This was followed by high-level talks between Russian and American delegations in Saudi Arabia and Istanbul, focusing on diplomatic funding and a Russian proposal to resume direct flights between the two countries.
Peskov mentioned on Thursday that a future conversation between Trump and Putin was not yet scheduled.
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