Trump Speaks With Putin Amid Push for Peace

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump on July 3 announced he would soon be speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Will be speaking to President Putin of Russia at 10:00 A.M. Thank you!” Trump wrote on his social media platform at 9:39 am EDT. For months, Trump has been pressing both Russia and Ukraine to end a years-long war and negotiate a permanent peace. During the NATO summit, Trump expressed his intention to speak with Putin to explore ways to broker a cease-fire. He didn’t comment on whether he was still considering plans to impose additional sanctions on Russia. During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on June 5, Trump warned that if Russia and Ukraine did not reach a peace deal, he would take a “very tough” approach....