US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Russia and Ukraine will begin negotiations immediately, following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the two-hour conversation with Putin “went very well” and that talks toward a ceasefire and an end to the war would now begin.
“Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately,” Trump wrote, adding that he also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and leaders of the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, and Finland. He informed them of the planned talks.
Trump also said the Vatican could host the negotiations. “The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations,” he said.
According to Trump, Russia hopes for large-scale trade with the United States after the conflict ends. He said Ukraine would also benefit from trade “in the process of rebuilding its country.”
Earlier on Monday, Putin said Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum for a possible peace deal. Speaking in Sochi, he said the document would outline principles for settlement and a possible timeline.
“We have agreed with the president of the United States that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace accord,” Putin said.
He also stated that the talks were a step in the right direction and that any future ceasefire would depend on reaching suitable agreements.
“If appropriate agreements are reached, then there could be a ceasefire,” Putin said. “The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis. We just need to determine the most effective ways to move towards peace.”
Trump, who has long touted his deal-making abilities, has faced challenges delivering on his repeated claim that he could swiftly end the war. “He’s weary and frustrated with both sides,” Leavitt told reporters. Adding that he wants to see a peaceful resolution and ceasefire as soon as possible.”
Vice President JD Vance warned that Trump is “more than open” to abandoning his diplomatic efforts if Putin shows no genuine interest in a settlement. “We’re not going to spin our wheels here,” Vance said, emphasising that the US under Trump is looking for real outcomes.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed confidence in the former president’s personal rapport with Putin. He believes picking up the phone can break the logjam, Witkoff said. “I think it’s going to be a very successful call.”
Yet, concerns persist. Critics warn that Trump’s perceived affinity for Putin could undercut Ukraine. Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who resigned last month, criticised the administration’s approach. The pressure was always on the victim, not the aggressor, she said, recalling a February Oval Office meeting where Zelenskyy was allegedly scolded for not being deferential enough. “I believe that peace at any price is not peace at all,” she said.
Trump previously posted that his conversation with Putin would address ending the “bloodbath” and might include discussions on trade; a possible sign that economic incentives could play a role in any deal. His administration has floated the idea of rethinking sanctions if Russia engages in good faith.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced this message, saying on NBC’s Meet the Press that sanctions could intensify if Putin doesn’t come to the table. He also criticised prior sanctions under President Joe Biden as ineffective for failing to curb Russia’s oil revenues.
Although hopes for a ceasefire remain elusive, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a significant prisoner exchange – 1,000 from each side – potentially taking place this week, according to Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov.
Putin recently declined Zelenskyy’s offer for an in-person meeting in Turkey, instead opting to wait until Trump was directly involved. “He and I will meet, and I think we’ll solve it or maybe not,” Trump said Friday while departing the Middle East. “At least we’ll know.”
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, met with Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday. He later posted on X that their talks covered sanctions, defence cooperation, battlefield updates, and the upcoming prisoner swap. “Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war,” he said.
Trump also consulted with European leaders, including Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, ahead of his call with Putin. Macron later urged Putin to accept a proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire backed by both Ukraine and Europe.
