Russia, Ukraine to Begin Ceasefire Talks Following Trump-Putin Call

Russia and Ukraine are set to begin ceasefire negotiations following a phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two-hour conversation, described by both leaders as constructive, marks a significant development in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Trump characterized the call as having gone “very well,” announcing on social media that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.” He added that the conditions of the ceasefire would be negotiated directly between the two countries, stating, “They know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”

The Kremlin also issued a statement calling the call “frank” and “useful,” with Putin acknowledging that “a ceasefire with Ukraine is possible” but emphasizing that compromises must be found that satisfy both sides.

Previous talks between Russia and Ukraine, including recent negotiations in Turkey, failed to produce results. Ukrainian officials cited unacceptable demands from the Russian side, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions Russia annexed in 2022—Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. Russia reportedly also insisted on international recognition of these territories as Russian and the halting of all foreign aid to Ukraine.

Trump claimed he informed key international leaders of the call, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. None have issued public statements or responded to requests for comment.

Trump also noted that the Vatican, through the Pope, had expressed interest in hosting the negotiations.