Russia and Ukraine Compete for Trump’s Attention as Key Phone Call Nears

While Russian drone strikes continue to bombard Ukrainian cities like Kyiv and Dnipro, the real front line in the war may have shifted to Washington — specifically, to a phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin expected later today.

Both Moscow and Kyiv are scrambling to influence Trump’s position, viewing his unpredictable stance as a potential game-changer in a war entering its third year. European allies have expressed concern, noting that Trump often leans toward the last persuasive voice he hears.

In fact, just weeks ago after a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis’ funeral, Trump issued uncharacteristically sharp criticism of Putin’s aggression. Whether that tone remains after today’s call remains to be seen.

The Fear: Trump and Putin Forge Their Own Deal

Zelensky and European leaders fear that Trump and Putin — both of whom believe in their unique ability to settle the war — could strike a back-channel peace deal that aligns more closely with Russia’s terms. Trump has threatened to cut off military and economic aid to Ukraine if a resolution isn’t reached.

U.S. officials say Trump plans to speak with Zelensky afterward, but by then, Putin may have already shaped the narrative.

This dynamic leaves Ukraine in a precarious position. “The concern,” a European diplomat told CNN, “is that Trump might adopt Putin’s framing and pressure Ukraine to accept terms it cannot live with.”

Stalled Ceasefire, Frustrated Diplomacy

Putin recently ignored a 30-day ceasefire proposed by Trump and accepted by Ukraine. Instead, he pushed for direct talks, which took place last week in Istanbul but achieved little progress. Trump was reportedly disappointed in the outcome and now appears eager to place himself at the center of renewed diplomacy.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, sees an opportunity: Trump’s personal involvement could sideline traditional diplomatic structures and let Moscow bypass pressure from Europe and NATO.

Despite those risks, the call may also backfire on Putin. If Trump feels misled or manipulated, he could reverse course and restore stronger U.S. backing for Kyiv.

No Middle Ground Yet

Even with diplomatic pressure mounting, neither Kyiv nor Moscow appears ready to offer the minimum concessions the other side demands. While talks — even symbolic ones — remain crucial, they continue to underscore just how far apart the two sides are.

Still, as Trump becomes more personally invested in resolving the war, today’s phone call may shape the future of U.S. involvement in the conflict — for better or worse.