Trump Announces Immediate Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks
In a surprise diplomatic push, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations towards a ceasefire,” following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump made the announcement at a press conference, stating the conversation had gone “very well” and that both parties would begin direct discussions to end the war.
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Negotiations Begin
This marks a potentially significant turning point in the ongoing war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump insisted that the best course of action is for Ukraine and Russia to directly negotiate, saying, “That’s going to be between the two countries.” He reiterated his belief that a direct approach is the only way forward for lasting peace.
Although Trump has expressed full confidence in the peace process, President Putin has been more restrained. The Kremlin reportedly remains open to a future peace agreement but has not yet agreed to the immediate 30-day ceasefire that Trump proposed. Putin has instead demanded that the root causes of the war — including NATO expansion and Ukrainian territorial claims — must first be addressed.
Vatican Emerges as Potential Host for Peace Talks
Trump revealed that “The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations.” The Holy See’s involvement could serve as a neutral venue for the talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the idea, saying he is open to discussions at the Vatican or any neutral ground, provided Russia commits to genuine peace.
Zelenskyy also reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for an unconditional ceasefire. He called for stronger international pressure on Russia and urged Western leaders to remain firm on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Trump’s Conference Call with European Leaders
After the Putin call, Trump also spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. During the call, Trump confirmed that negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow will begin “immediately” and praised Putin’s tone during the discussion as “excellent.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance made it clear that while the U.S. supports the initiative, it does not view the conflict as America’s war. He stated the U.S. is ready to step back if either party shows unwillingness to cooperate.
European leaders welcomed the prospect of talks but remain wary of making concessions that could validate Russia’s aggression or jeopardize Ukraine’s autonomy. Analysts caution that the Kremlin might use the negotiations to stall international pressure while consolidating territorial control.
Despite optimism around this diplomatic development, the road to actual peace remains uncertain. Whether these talks can produce a lasting ceasefire or a broader resolution will depend heavily on the intentions of both Moscow and Kyiv, as well as the global community’s ability to hold both sides accountable.
