The Russian president abruptly canceled plans to meet face-to-face with Zelensky in Turkey last week. President Zelenskyy, left, and Vice President Vance greet each other as Secretary of State Rubio, center, looks on at St. Peter's Square Sunday. AP/Gregorio Borgia

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday about peace in Ukraine as European leaders demanded that the Kremlin accept an immediate ceasefire to halt the region's deadliest conflict since World War Two.

President Trump expressed his hopes for a “productive day” Monday — and a cease-fire — in a social media post over the weekend. His effort will also include calls to NATO leaders.

NATO allies have started cobbling together an agreement to significantly boost defense spending in a way that may assuage US President Donald Trump’s demand to spend 5% of economic output on the military.

US President Donald Trump is hoping separate phone calls with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will make progress toward a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump plans to speak with Presidents Putin and Zelensky to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war. He hopes for a productive day leading to a ceasefire. Vice President JD Vance also met Zelensky to address the ongoing conflict and negotiations for peace.

Exit polls showed Dan at 54-55% of ballots following a last-minute dash to the top after weeks of trailing George Simion, a hard-right supporter of Trump.

The House Budget Committee will meet late Sunday night to try once again to advance President Trump’s domestic policy bill toward a floor vote after a handful of fiscally conservative Republicans blocked the measure on Friday over concerns about the ballooning national deficit.