US President Donald Trump has signalled a fresh diplomatic push to address the intensifying Russia-Ukraine conflict, announcing that he plans to speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days.

His remarks, made on Sunday after returning from the US Open finals at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, came against the backdrop of escalating Russian missile and drone strikes that devastated multiple Ukrainian cities overnight, killing at least three—including a child—and injuring dozens.

Trump acknowledged that the situation remains grave but reiterated his belief that peace could still be reached, underscoring that "we’re going to get it done" in reference to resolving the crisis.

He disclosed that several European leaders were set to travel to Washington early this week for what he termed "very interesting discussions," aimed at charting a diplomatic path forward and possibly seeking a coordinated resolution to the war.

While emphasising his personal rapport with Putin, Trump maintained that he had been "tougher on Russia than anyone," citing his administration’s past measures, but nonetheless described the ongoing conflict as a tragic humanitarian disaster.

He expressed visible frustration, characterising the war as a "horrible waste of humanity" that, while not involving American forces directly, has generated enormous loss and destruction in Ukraine.

He reinforced his dissatisfaction with Moscow’s recent escalations, including a large-scale weekend assault, but sidestepped critiques that his personal stance toward Putin might have softened, instead stressing his dual approach of both toughness and dialogue.

Trump also highlighted the possible use of additional sanctions as leverage, confirming his readiness to escalate punitive measures against Russia if necessary and to move into what he called "the second phase" of sanctions.

This signalling appeared designed both to pressure Moscow and reassure European partners that Washington would not simply rely on personal diplomacy but also retain coercive economic tools.

The timing of these statements also connects with his broader acknowledgment from last week, when he admitted to falling short on a key campaign promise—the commitment to end the war in Ukraine during his second presidential term.

He described the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as "probably the most difficult" challenge faced by his administration, noting both his inability to stop the fighting and the complexities of orchestrating a durable settlement.

The convergence of European leaders in Washington this week is expected to serve as a pivotal moment in Trump’s strategy, potentially opening pathways for new negotiations or signalling a shift toward more united transatlantic pressure on Moscow.

Whether Trump’s balancing act—leveraging personal ties with Putin while threatening escalatory sanctions—can produce tangible progress remains uncertain. Still, his renewed urgency reflects an administration under mounting pressure to demonstrate results in one of the most destabilising conflicts of the past decade, with both humanitarian tolls and geopolitical consequences continuing to deepen in Europe.

Based On ANI Report