Trump to hold talks with Russian and Ukrainian leaders on Monday,19th following discussions in Turkey

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would speak with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine on Monday, following recent negotiations between the two countries in Turkey. A Ukrainian official said Russian representatives presented new conditions that must be met before a ceasefire could be reached.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies that preparations were in progress for a conversation between President Vladimir Putin and Trump.

The meeting in Turkey on Friday marked the first face-to-face talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials since March 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

According to a senior Ukrainian official familiar with the discussions, Russian negotiators demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from all territories claimed by Moscow as a precondition for any ceasefire agreement.

Trump stated on Truth Social that he plans to speak with Putin at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (1400 GMT) on Monday to discuss efforts to end the war

Russia has shown limited willingness to compromise in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

During the peace talks held in Istanbul on Friday, Russian negotiators insisted that Ukraine withdraw its forces from all territories claimed by Moscow as a precondition for agreeing to a ceasefire, according to a senior Ukrainian official familiar with the discussions

Trump–Russia Relations: Summary Overview

🗓️ Background Context

• During Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and presidency (2017–2021), his relationship with Russia — and particularly with President Vladimir Putin — became a major topic of political and media scrutiny.

• Concerns centered on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, Trump’s favorable rhetoric toward Russia, and potential ties between Trump associates and Russian officials.

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🔍 Key Issues and Events

1. 2016 Election Interference

• U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to aid DT‘s candidacy and harm Hillary Clinton.

• Interference included cyberattacks (like hacking Democratic National Committee emails) and disinformation campaigns on social media.

2. Trump Campaign Ties to Russia

• Multiple DT associates (e.g., Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone) were investigated for contacts with Russian individuals.

• Some were indicted or convicted on charges related to the investigation, though not all directly tied to collusion.

3. The Mueller Investigation

• Led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller (2017–2019), the probe investigated:

  • Russian election interference

  • Possible coordination between Trump’s campaign and Russian operatives

  • Possible obstruction of justice by President Trump

Findings:

• No criminal conspiracy was proven between Trump and Russia.

• Mueller did not exonerate Trump on obstruction of justice.

4. DT’s Rhetoric Toward Russia

• DT repeatedly praised Vladimir Putin, raising concerns among U.S. allies and officials.

• Questioned U.S. intelligence findings (notably during the Helsinki Summit in 2018, where he sided with Putin over U.S. agencies publicly).

5. Helsinki Summit (July 2018)

• In a joint press conference with Putin, DT appeared to doubt U.S. intelligence on election interference, sparking bipartisan backlash.

• He later walked back those comments, claiming he had misspoken.

6. Sanctions and Policy Actions

Despite DT’s warm words for Russia, his administration:

• Imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities.

• Expelled Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning of a former spy in the UK.

• Approved lethal aid to Ukraine (a departure from Obama-era policy).

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⚖️ Controversies and Criticisms

• Critics accused Trump of being too lenient on Russia and undermining U.S. intelligence.

• Supporters claimed there was no proof of collusion and the investigation was a “witch hunt.”

• The term “Russia hoax” was used by Trump and allies to describe the investigation.

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📘 Aftermath & Legacy

• DT–Russia relations continue to influence U.S. politics, shaping public trust in institutions and foreign policy.

• The events prompted changes in how social media companies and intelligence agencies handle foreign interference.

• The saga is still a divisive issue, with some pushing for accountability and others viewing it as politically motivated.

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