Trump brokers surprise talks between Russia and Ukraine
"Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire," Donald Trump conveyed after a conversation with Vladimir Putin.
What you need to know
- Donald Trump announced after a conversation with Vladimir Putin that Russia and Ukraine will begin negotiations to establish a ceasefire and end the war.
- The conversation lasted over two hours, and according to Trump, its tone and spirit were excellent.
- The negotiations aim not only for a ceasefire but also to end the conflict, which should bring economic benefits to both countries.
The over two-hour conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin has concluded.
"Just completed my two hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well," Donald Trump posted on the Truth Social platform.
"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," he indicated.
"The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn’t, I would say so now, rather than later. 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," the American president highlighted.
"Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately," it reads.
Trump also relayed that he informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr 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 about the results of the talks.
Trump also reminded that the Holy See is expressing a willingness to conduct peace negotiations. "The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin!" he noted.
Putin issues a statement
Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that he had a phone conversation with Donald Trump which lasted two hours. "It was candid and substantive," he added. He emphasized that issues of ceasefire and principles for conflict resolution could be included in the Russia-Ukraine memorandum.
The leader stated that "Russia is ready to cooperate with Kyiv on a memorandum regarding a future peace treaty." Putin conveyed that the U.S. president "expressed his position on the ceasefire in the war with Ukraine."
