President Donald Trump said on Monday that he had just finished a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and according to him, the outcome was positive.
Speaking on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Just completed my two hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well.” The conversation focused on restarting direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump claimed both sides are now ready to begin negotiations “immediately” to reach a ceasefire and put an end to the war that’s been going on for over three years. He added that only the two countries involved know the true details required for a proper negotiation.
The US president also mentioned that the “tone and spirit” of the call were “excellent” and stressed that if they hadn’t been, he would’ve said so now. He pointed out that Russia is looking to begin large-scale trade with the United States once the war ends, calling it a “tremendous opportunity” for Moscow to create jobs and build wealth.
“Its potential is UNLIMITED,” he said. Trump said Ukraine would benefit economically as well, especially during the reconstruction of its cities and infrastructure.
Trump informs global leaders about new negotiations
After speaking with Putin, Trump immediately got on the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, Emmanuel Macron of France, Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Friedrich Merz of Germany, and Alexander Stubb of Finland.
He told them the talks between Ukraine and Russia would begin right away. He also said the Pope, on behalf of the Vatican, had expressed interest in hosting the negotiations. Trump ended his Truth Social post by declaring, “Let the process begin!”
This update follows a long delay in diplomatic efforts to end the war. According to CNBC, attempts to restart peace talks have largely failed in recent months, despite Trump’s push to get both countries to the table.
Trump has also warned that if progress doesn’t happen soon, the US could pull out of the effort, raising fears that critical American military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine could dry up. That warning has made other countries nervous about the stability of the ongoing support Ukraine depends on.
During Biden’s time in office, the US relationship with the Kremlin froze over. Since returning to the White House, Trump has reopened that communication, but now he’s also threatening sanctions on Moscow if it doesn’t take the process seriously. He’s backing a 30-day ceasefire proposal supported by Ukraine and many European nations.
US says both sides are preparing ceasefire proposals
Russia is demanding more than Ukraine is willing to give, especially on land claims. Zelenskyy has refused to accept any deal that includes giving up territory. So while Trump is claiming momentum, both countries still have big gaps to close.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on social media that “The US has presented a strong peace plan and we welcome the Prisoner of War exchange agreement reached in Istanbul. Let’s not miss this huge opportunity. The time for ending this war is now.”
Marco said he spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who told him that Russia is working on a document listing their conditions for a ceasefire. He added that Ukraine is also preparing its own version and said, “Hopefully that will be forthcoming soon.”
But Marco also said that the US isn’t interested in endless talking. “We don’t want to be involved in this process of just endless talks. There has to be some progress, some movement forward,” he said.
On Sunday, Zelenskyy met with Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance, and later criticized Russia’s Istanbul team as “a low level delegation of non-decision-makers.” He said Ukraine is prepared to take part in “real diplomacy” and is pushing for “a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible.”
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