Russia and Ukraine will begin immediate negotiations toward a ceasefire, US President Donald Trump announced following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform, marked the most significant development in months of stalled diplomacy and continued fighting between the two nations.

Trump described the conversation with Putin as “very well”, adding that both sides had agreed to initiate talks immediately, with the aim of securing not just a ceasefire, but an eventual end to the war that began in February 2022. A subsequent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky included several European leaders, signaling a renewed push for coordinated international diplomacy.

Putin’s Offer and Zelensky’s Caution

In a separate statement, President Putin said he was prepared to work with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining a future peace agreement, including provisions for a temporary ceasefire and principles for political settlement. Putin described his call with Trump, which he took while visiting a music school in Sochi, as “frank, informative and constructive”.

Putin’s aide Yury Ushakov clarified that while no ceasefire timeframe was discussed, Trump emphasized urgency and his desire to see progress made quickly.

However, Zelensky’s reaction remained cautious. In a press briefing, the Ukrainian leader reaffirmed his position that any negotiations must include a full and unconditional ceasefire. He warned that if Russia is not sincere, stronger sanctions must follow.

Zelensky stressed that the US and Europe must remain fully engaged in the negotiation process. “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,” he said.

International Support and Proposed Venue

Zelensky’s second phone call with Trump also included key European leaders, such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Von der Leyen thanked Trump for his “tireless efforts” and stressed the importance of continued US leadership in the talks. Meloni brought up the Vatican’s offer, made by Pope Leo, to host peace negotiations—an idea reportedly welcomed by the US and its European allies.

Earlier this month, Pope Leo proposed the Vatican as a neutral venue after Putin rejected a face-to-face meeting with Zelensky in Turkey. Ukraine had previously stated it could not trust Russia’s intentions, citing repeated violations of earlier short-term ceasefires.

Ongoing Attacks Undermine Trust

Despite the hopeful diplomatic tone, fighting continues on the ground. Ukraine reported that at least 10 people were killed in Russian air strikes over recent days, including nine civilians in a minibus attacked in northeastern Ukraine. The strike occurred just hours after the two countries held their first in-person talks in over three years.

Those talks resulted in a prisoner exchange, but no ceasefire. Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak warned that Putin’s peace talk rhetoric was disingenuous. “Putin wants war,” Yermak said, referencing Russia’s largest drone attack since the war began.

Russia has previously proposed temporary ceasefires during key holidays like Victory Day in May and Easter, but Ukraine refused to accept them, arguing that such moves were publicity stunts rather than genuine steps toward peace.

Trump’s Role and US Strategy

Trump, who has previously warned of stepping away from negotiations due to the lack of progress, said during a White House event that the US remains committed to brokering talks. He also revealed he has a “red line in his head” beyond which he will stop engaging if no progress is made.

He said the conditions for the ceasefire and peace deal would be decided by Russia and Ukraine, as “they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”

Trump’s approach has evolved from frustration to re-engagement, a move likely influenced by mounting global pressure and continued civilian casualties. His public statements indicate a willingness to attend talks in person, though Putin previously declined such an invitation for a meeting in Turkey.

Potential Memorandum and Peace Timeline

According to Putin, the memorandum under discussion would include:

• Principles of settlement

• Timeline for agreement

• Possible ceasefire arrangements

While specifics remain unclear, Putin has signaled Russia’s interest in a more structured and long-term roadmap for peace. Ukrainian officials, however, have not received any draft proposals yet and have expressed concern over vague promises without firm guarantees.

Zelensky stated Ukraine would formulate its position once any formal documents were received from the Russian side. “These are matters of principle for Ukraine,” he said. “No agreement should be made without our direct involvement.”

Global Stakes and the Path Forward

The war in Ukraine, now in its third year, has reshaped global geopolitics, disrupted food and energy supplies, and caused hundreds of thousands of casualties. Any progress toward a ceasefire would represent a turning point—but the path remains fraught with uncertainty.

With ongoing attacks, repeated failed truces, and deeply entrenched positions, a lasting peace deal appears distant. Yet the renewed diplomatic effort, particularly involving the US and EU together, has given some hope for a breakthrough.

As Trump pushes for negotiations and Putin signals conditional openness, the world watches for signs of genuine compromise. For now, Ukraine insists on firm commitments, Russia talks in generalities, and the US walks a tightrope between patience and pressure.

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