Ceasefire Negotiations Announced Between Russia and Ukraine
On Monday, President Donald Trump revealed that Russia and Ukraine are set to begin ceasefire negotiations. This announcement follows a lengthy two-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Just completed my two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and, more importantly, an end to the war,” Trump stated.
He also noted that the specific terms will be discussed directly between the two countries since they possess insights that no one else does. “The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn’t, I would say so now, rather than later,” he added.
Trump mentioned that Putin expressed interest in extensive trade relations with the United States once the conflict stabilizes.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is unlimited. Likewise, Ukraine can benefit greatly from trade while rebuilding its country,” Trump explained.
In his remarks, Trump confirmed that he had informed several global leaders about the upcoming peace talks, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
He concluded by stating that Pope Leo XIV has offered to host these negotiations at the Vatican.
“The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin!” Trump stated.
Meanwhile, Putin supported Trump’s comments, describing their call as “frank and meaningful.”
“Russia is ready to work with Kyiv on a memorandum for a future peace treaty which could encompass cease-fire terms and conflict resolution principles,” Putin remarked.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the significance of the conversation, especially in light of recent talks in Istanbul, which marked the first direct discussions between Russian and Ukrainian delegates in over three years.
During that meeting, both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war as a preliminary step toward broader negotiations for peace.
“It is preferable to achieve our goals through political and diplomatic means, of course,” Peskov added.
Additionally, Vice President JD Vance provided insight into Trump’s perspective on the situation with Russia and Ukraine.
“The president has been very clear,” Vance stated while aboard Air Force Two. “There’s a bit of an impasse here, and I think the president’s going to say to President Putin, ‘Look, are you serious, are you real about this?’”
“It’s not our war. We’re going to try to end it, but if we can’t, we are eventually going to say, ‘that was worth a try, but we’re not doing it anymore,” Vance continued.
