EU’s Ursula von der Leyen Urges Putin to Negotiate After Kyiv Attack, Calls Him Predator in Call with Trump

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to return to the negotiating table following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. This appeal comes amid escalating tensions after a recent Russian attack on an EU office in Kyiv, which Ukraine reported resulted in at least 21 fatalities. Von der Leyen characterized Putin as a "predator," accusing him of orchestrating hybrid and cyber attacks against European societies for years, as well as weaponizing migrants. The call underscores the EU's demand for renewed diplomatic engagement to end the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Putin faces a rare opportunity to meet with his two key energy partners this weekend, a critical moment as he seeks support from both.