Donald Trump to speak to Putin, Zelenskyy on ending Ukraine-Russia 'bloodbath'

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday in an attempt to end what he described as a “very violent war” between their countries.

Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump said that the first call, with President Putin, is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday. The discussion, he said, would focus on stopping the ongoing “bloodbath” in Ukraine and matters of trade.

“I will be speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday, at 10:00 a.m. The subjects of the call will be, stopping the ‘bloodbath’ that is killing, on average, more than 5000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade,” Trump posted.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now entering its third year, has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Trump said it was a tragedy that “should have never happened.”

After his conversation with Putin, Trump plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said he will then join a wider discussion involving “various members of Nato.”

"I will then be speaking to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and then, with President Zelenskyy, various members of Nato," Trump said.

Trump added in his post, hoping for a ceasefire: “Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end. God bless us all!!!”