Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine to begin ceasefire talks after call with Vladimir Putin

In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire, following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War. The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of,” Trump wrote in his post on X.

Trump described the conversation as having an “excellent tone and spirit,” emphasising that the conditions for peace would be decided solely between Moscow and Kyiv, as “they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”

“Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic "bloodbath" 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. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately,” Trump added.

Trump said he had already informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders—including 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—of the planned negotiations. He also added the Vatican’s expressed interest in hosting the talks.

“The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin,” Trump said.

Despite Trump’s optimistic framing, Russia has not echoed his enthusiasm for peace with the same urgency or clarity. As of now, while both Trump and Putin have spoken of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, no date, venue, or concrete plan for ceasefire implementation has been confirmed.

In his own post on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered a more sober view. While reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness for a full and unconditional ceasefire and direct negotiations, he stressed the need for mirrored seriousness from Russia and stronger international pressure if Moscow refuses to halt its aggression.

“I reaffirmed to President Trump that Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire…If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions. Pressure on Russia will push it toward real peace – this is obvious to everyone around the world,” Zelenskyy wrote in a Monday evening post. He also advocated for inclusive talks involving the U.S. and European partners and warned that disengagement by the West would only benefit Putin.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is open to talks hosted by Türkiye, the Vatican, or Switzerland, and confirmed that Ukrainian representatives are prepared to make “real decisions” in negotiations. However, he cautioned that any delays or unrealistic demands from Russia would signal continued bad faith and necessitate a tougher international response.

“Every proposal at the table deserves an honest evaluation, that’s why the negotiation process must involve both American and European representatives at the appropriate level. It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace, because the only one who benefits from that is Putin,” the Ukrainian president added.