President Donald Trump provided an update on his two hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, announcing that negotiations for a ceasefire are set to begin immediately.
Trump wrote on Truth Social after his phone call that negotiations between the two countries to bring an “END to the war” will begin. The president added that both countries have potential to do trade deals with the United States once the war is over. (RELATED: ‘You Have No Idea’: Trump Snaps At Reporter Accusing Him Of Not Putting Enough ‘Pressure’ On Russia)
“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,” Trump wrote.
“Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately. I have so informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of Italy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, of Germany, and President Alexander Stubb, of Finland, during a call with me, immediately after the call with President Putin,” Trump continued, adding that The Vatican is interested in hosting negotiations.
Following the call, Putin said his country was ready to work towards ending the war, adding that both countries would need to find a compromise, The Associated Press reported.
Vice President JD Vance met with Zelenskyy over the weekend following Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass.
“Our countries share the goal of ending unnecessary bloodshed in Ukraine, and we discussed updates on the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace,” Vance wrote on X, following the meeting.
This afternoon, @SecRubio and I met with President Zelensky.
Our countries share the goal of ending unnecessary bloodshed in Ukraine, and we discussed updates on the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace. pic.twitter.com/uvrWASXKCw
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) May 18, 2025
On Wednesday, Putin had previously refused to attend peace talks in Turkey with Zelenskyy even after he had called for direct negotiations earlier. Trump, who was in Qatar at the time, had previously hinted at attending the talks if Putin was there.
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