Trump pauses European summit to call Putin amid Ukraine talks

During a White House meeting with European leaders on Monday, US President Donald Trump briefly stepped away to place a call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on efforts to advance a peace deal for Ukraine, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

The call took place while Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside key European leaders, including those of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Finland, as well as representatives from the European Commission and NATO.

Read more: Trump hosts Zelenskyy at White House for Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Trump indicated that if Monday’s meetings proceed successfully, he may convene a trilateral meeting including Russian President Vladimir Putin with the goal of ending the war.

“We're going to have a meeting. I think if everything works out well today we'll have a trilat and I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that,” Trump said.

He added that the United States would provide security guarantees as part of any agreement. “European countries are the first line of defense because they are there, they are Europe, we're going to help them out also. We'll be involved,” Trump said.

On the issue of a ceasefire, Trump reiterated that he does not see it as necessary to end the conflict, echoing his recent alignment with Putin’s stance.

“I don't think you need a ceasefire,” he said. “I know that it might be good to have, but I can also understand strategically why one country or the other wouldn't want it. You have a ceasefire and they rebuild and rebuild and rebuild and you know maybe they don't want that.”

Trump also said he plans to speak with Putin by phone following Monday’s discussions. “I just spoke to President Putin indirectly and we're going to have a phone call right after these meetings today,” he said. “We may or may not have a trilat” with him, Zelenskyy, and Putin.