Trump has ‘productive’ conversation with Putin, demands Ukraine soldiers surrounded by Russia be spared

"We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end — BUT, AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION," Trump said on Truth Social.

"I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared. This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II. God bless them all!!!" the president added.

This comes after Putin had said that he liked the "idea" of a ceasefire with Ukraine when he was asked about a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine on Thursday. "So the idea is good, and we absolutely support it, but there are issues we need to discuss and I think we need to negotiate with our American colleagues and partners, maybe a phone call with President Trump, but the very idea of ending this conflict by peaceful means—we support that," Putin said at the time, also indicating that he would need to speak to Trump before an agreement would be made.

The Russian leader also said that there were Ukrainian troops that were surrounded by the Russian army, and that the soldiers "will have to surrender or die" in order for a peace agreement to be met. Ukraine has agreed to terms for a ceasefire, so long as Russia also accepts the agreement.