By OBSERVERS TIMES
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin negotiations toward a ceasefire following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This development marks the most significant movement yet toward ending the war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform after the call, Trump described the conversation as positive in both “tone and spirit.” He added that the terms of a peace agreement would be determined directly by Ukraine and Russia, saying, “I believe it went very well; they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”
Russian state media confirmed the call, reporting that Putin described it as “informative and useful.” The Kremlin stated that Russia is prepared to draft a memorandum with Ukraine outlining the path toward negotiations. Putin was quoted saying, “We’re generally on the right track.”
A ceasefire, Putin added, could become possible once compromises acceptable to both sides are reached.
Trump also revealed that his call with Putin followed a brief phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and consultations with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
According to Trump, the Vatican has offered to host the upcoming negotiations, signaling broad international interest in facilitating peace.
The announcement comes amid growing frustration within the Trump administration. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, speaking to reporters in Rome earlier Monday, warned that the United States could abandon the peace effort if Russia fails to demonstrate seriousness.
“We’re going to try to end it, but if we can’t, we’re eventually going to say, ‘You know what? That was worth a try, but we’re not doing any more,’” Vance said.
Trump has long vowed to end the war quickly, criticizing previous U.S. support for Ukraine as a factor escalating the conflict. Under his leadership, American policy has shifted toward prioritizing negotiations.
However, significant challenges remain. Russia currently occupies approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory and last weekend launched its largest drone assault since the invasion began. Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of preparing to test an intercontinental ballistic missile, though Moscow has not confirmed this.
Putin continues to insist that Ukraine must withdraw from the four regions claimed by Russia and officially abandon its NATO aspirations. Meanwhile, European leaders have urged Putin to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is “weary and frustrated with both sides” but remains committed to brokering a resolution. When asked if additional sanctions on Russia are still under consideration, she responded, “Everything’s on the table.”
