U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Monday that Russia and Ukraine will "immediately start negotiations" toward a ceasefire and a resolution to their three-year conflict, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcement, made via Trump's Truth Social platform, marks a potential turning point in a war that has reshaped global security dynamics.
Trump stated he relayed the plan to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders of the EU, France, Italy, Germany, and Finland in a group call. Putin later affirmed that peace efforts were "on the right track," adding Moscow is prepared to collaborate on a "memorandum for a future peace accord."
High-Level Meeting Prospects
Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's willingness to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement but emphasized Kyiv would not withdraw troops from territories under its control. He proposed a multilateral summit involving the U.S., EU, Britain, Russia, and Ukraine, potentially hosted by Türkiye, Switzerland, or the Vatican. Trump noted the Pope expressed interest in facilitating talks, though the Vatican has not yet publicly confirmed this.
Diplomatic Pressures and Conditions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed U.S. engagement, while EU leaders urged stricter sanctions against Russia if ceasefire efforts stall. Kremlin officials reiterated that any agreement must address "root causes" of the conflict, though specifics remain unclear. U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned Washington could withdraw mediation without progress, echoing Trump’s earlier stance.
The development follows failed talks in Istanbul last week and growing international pressure to halt hostilities. Analysts caution that while the announcement signals renewed diplomacy, historical mistrust and conflicting demands pose significant hurdles.
