The Kremlin said on Friday that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump was essential to make progress on Ukraine and other issues, but needed preparation and had to yield results when it happened.

The Trump administration appears to be losing patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin, even as President Trump offers a face-to-face meeting in an effort to end the Ukraine war. Trump this

The Kremlin has withstood pressure for an immediate cease-fire as a precondition for peace talks, but the Russian president’s push for normalizing relations with the United States appears in limbo.

May 19, US President Donald Trump held a series of phone talks focused on ending the war in Ukraine. He first spoke for over two hours with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and later discussed the situation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders of European countries.

President Trump said he plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday about stopping the "bloodbath" in Ukraine. He will then speak with Zelenskyy and leaders of various NATO countries.

Vance and Zelenskyy clashed during an Oval Office meeting in February. Trump is speaking to Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19.