Trump Urged to Delay Putin Call Until He Commits to Full Ceasefire

Top advisers to US President Donald Trump have urged him not to call Russian President Vladimir Putin until Russia agrees to a full cease-fire in Ukraine, NBC News reported, citing two US officials.

Despite this advice, Trump could still decide to contact Putin, sources said. However, his inner circle believes a call before a ceasefire is in place “isn’t a good idea.”

As of now, no talks between the two leaders are scheduled, according to NBC News.

Trump previously stated on March 30 that he planned to speak with Putin this week, but there has been no confirmation that the conversation happened.

Since Trump returned to office, he and Putin have spoken by phone twice – on Feb. 12 and March 18. Their second call lasted about two hours and resulted in Putin agreeing to a 30-day halt on attacks against energy infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly accused each other of alleged ceasefire violations following the talks and agreements, while the ceasefire’s imprecise details have made it difficult to apportion blame for breaches.

• On March 28, Russia struck gas production facilitiesin Ukraine’s Central Poltava region.
• The same day, Russia accused Ukraine of firing US-made HIMARS missilesat the Sudzha gas metering station in the Kursk region bordering Ukraine, a claim that Kyiv dismissed as a Russian “false flag.”
• On Tuesday, April 1, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha saida Russian strike had damaged an energy facility in Kherson.

Earlier reports suggest that Trump is “frustrated” with Putin over perceived delays in negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump may impose “aggressive sanctions enforcement” in response, according to sources cited by Fox News White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich.

Other Topics of Interest

Former President Poroshenko on Ceasefire, 2014 Lessons, Trump, and UN

In a wide-ranging discussion at the Black Sea Security Forum 2026, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko reflected on Ukraine’s transformation since 2014, arguing that the country has broken decisively with its Soviet past, built Europe’s strongest army, and must pursue EU and NATO membership as the foundation of its long-term security.

Reuters reported that the Trump administration does not expect a peace deal on Ukraine in the near future. As a result, the White House is working on new pressure tactics against both Moscow and Kyiv.

On March 30, Trump told NBC that he was “very angry, pissed off” after Putin questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump warned Moscow that he could impose a 25% tariff on Russian oil exports if a ceasefire is not reached within a month due to Kremlin inaction.