WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that, following a more-than-two-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow and Kyiv are poised to initiate negotiations toward a ceasefire and resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year.
During the call, Putin expressed optimism about the prospects for peace, stating that efforts to resolve the conflict appear “on the right track.” He reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to collaborate with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining the principles and potential timelines for a future peace agreement.
Putin also thanked Trump for his support of renewed direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing that Russia remains committed to working toward peace. “We have agreed that Russia will propose and is prepared to engage with Ukraine on a memorandum that defines the settlement principles and the timing of possible peace,” Putin told reporters near Sochi on the Black Sea.
He highlighted that, if these negotiations lead to concrete agreements, a ceasefire could be imminent. “Direct talks between Russia and Ukraine give reason to believe we are generally on the right path,” Putin added. He emphasized that Russia’s primary goal is to address the “root causes” of the crisis and to find effective ways to move toward peace.
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that there are no set deadlines for the process. “There are no deadlines, and there cannot be any,” Peskov said. “Everyone desires quick progress, but the details matter greatly.”
Trump, meanwhile, described the call as “very positive” and expressed hope that the negotiations could take place at the Vatican, citing the Pope’s expressed interest in hosting the talks. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Let the process begin!”
Later, he added, “It would be great if ceasefire talks could happen at the Vatican, as it would bring extra significance to the proceedings.” Trump also recounted telling Putin during their conversation, “When are we going to end this, Vladimir?” and suggested that sanctions against Russia might be reconsidered in the future, though he provided no specifics.
