Russia and Ukraine are set to commence ceasefire negotiations “immediately,” according to U.S. President Donald Trump. This announcement came after separate phone calls with Russian and Ukrainian leaders in an effort to make strides towards ending the conflict that has lasted for three years. However, these conversations seemingly did not result in a significant breakthrough.
Details regarding the timing, location, and participants of the potential talks remain uncertain. Trump’s proclamation followed the first direct conversation between Russian and Ukrainian delegations since last year. These negotiations in Turkey led to a limited prisoner exchange but failed to halt the ongoing hostilities.
Prior to the calls, the White House acknowledged Trump’s growing “frustration” with the persistence of the conflict. Vice President JD Vance indicated that Trump would challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin to determine his genuine interest in ending the war. Should Putin prove uncommitted, the U.S. might reconsider its involvement in facilitating the end of the conflict. Trump later expressed his belief that Putin is earnest about the prospect of peace.
“The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties as they alone know the intricacies of the conflict,” Trump stated via social media. Trump described his conversation with Putin as “excellent,” asserting that he would be candid if it had been otherwise.
In a conversation with reporters, Trump observed that the process is complex, involving significant egos. He suggested that if a resolution isn’t reached, he might step back, allowing the parties to proceed independently. Emphasizing that the issue should have remained within Europe, Trump called on Putin to make progress.
The conflict traces back to Russia’s invasion in early 2022, posing challenges to Trump’s commitment to rapidly resolve the situation since assuming office. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed Trump’s weariness and frustration with both sides of the war.
Trump’s strategy hinges on his personal rapport with Putin, hoping that it could overcome standoffs and potentially lead to reduced sanctions and expanded trade with Russia, should the conflict end. After their conversation, Putin expressed Russia’s readiness for continued dialogue and emphasized the search for compromises agreeable to all parties involved. He proposed developing a memorandum as a possible framework for a peace treaty.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for an unconditional ceasefire, urging global pressure on Moscow until its aggression ceases. Zelenskyy asserted Ukraine’s preparedness for decisive negotiations and called for Russia to mirror this readiness.
During their talks, Trump and Putin addressed each other casually, indicating a friendly rapport. Russian presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov mentioned the possibility of a future face-to-face meeting, though no date has been set.
The discussions also touched on a prisoner swap, which envisions both nations releasing nine individuals each. Meanwhile, Vance stated Trump could abandon efforts to mediate the war if Putin’s intentions are not genuine.
Zelenskyy, in one-on-one talks with Trump before turning to European leaders, stressed the necessity of involving Kyiv in any decisions regarding Ukraine. He also discussed potential severe sanctions on Russia.
There’s no immediate confirmation of the Vatican hosting negotiations, despite Trump’s mention of its interest in doing so. Trump’s approach attempted to leverage economic incentives to encourage agreement, following heavy sanctions on Russia after its invasion.
Trump addressed Russia’s potential for substantial trade growth with the U.S. post-conflict, highlighting opportunities for job creation and wealth accumulation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that should Putin fail to negotiate sincerely, further sanctions could be imposed.
Additionally, discussions with European leaders, spearheaded by Trump and Zelenskyy, hinted at stricter sanctions on Russia to compel negotiations. Despite a recent meet-up between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul, the talks ended with no ceasefire established, though an agreement to exchange prisoners was reached.