U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin negotiations toward a ceasefire and, potentially, an end to their prolonged war. The announcement followed a two-hour phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Trump described as “very well.”
Trump, who also held a separate conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other world leaders, emphasized that the terms of peace would need to be negotiated directly between Moscow and Kyiv. He shared the update on Truth Social, stating, “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.”
Putin echoed Trump’s remarks, expressing readiness to work with Ukraine on a “memorandum on a possible future peace agreement.” However, the Russian leader stopped short of agreeing to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire as demanded by the U.S. and European nations.
Zelensky, while acknowledging the initiative, remained cautious. He reiterated Ukraine’s call for a “full and unconditional ceasefire” and warned that if Moscow is unwilling, “there must be stronger sanctions.” He also emphasized that Ukraine must be part of all discussions affecting its sovereignty.
Following the Trump-Putin call, a second call involving Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and leaders from France, Italy, Germany, and Finland took place. Von der Leyen thanked Trump for his “tireless efforts” and stressed the importance of continued U.S. engagement.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Pope Leo’s offer to host peace talks at the Vatican—a suggestion that received positive feedback from all parties involved in the call. Earlier efforts to hold talks in Turkey had failed after Putin declined Zelensky’s invitation for a face-to-face meeting.
Despite the diplomatic overtures, tensions remain high. Ukraine has accused Russia of launching its largest drone assault since the war began, with at least 10 civilians reportedly killed in recent days.
While both sides have previously agreed to temporary ceasefires, skepticism lingers. Whether these new talks mark a real turning point or are yet another pause in an enduring conflict remains to be seen.
