U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine will begin immediate ceasefire negotiations, with the Vatican offering to host the talks.
The development follows a two-hour phone conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump later relayed the discussion to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders.
&ldquo;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,&rdquo; Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Efforts to end the three-year conflict have seen sporadic talks, with a previous attempt at direct negotiations between Putin and Zelensky in Turkey falling through when Putin failed to attend. Trump, then on a tour of West Asia, had suggested he might intervene but ultimately did not.
Trump emphasized that the details of the ceasefire will be determined solely by Russia and Ukraine. &ldquo;The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn&rsquo;t, I would say so now, rather than later,&rdquo; he noted.
He added that both countries stand to gain economically from peace. &ldquo;Russia wants to do large-scale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic &lsquo;bloodbath&rsquo; is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country.&rdquo;
Trump also confirmed he had briefed several global leaders on the development, including Zelensky, 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.
Concluding his message, Trump said, &ldquo;The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin!&rdquo;

After a two-hour call with Putin, Trump announces fresh peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with the Vatican ready to host negotiations

Trump: Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks to Begin

After a two-hour call with Putin, Trump announces fresh peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with the Vatican ready to host negotiations

May 20, 2025 | 10:27 IST