President Donald Trump announced that ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin “immediately” following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. The call comes after recent, stalled peace efforts in Istanbul.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he believes a peace deal is possible despite “big egos” being involved. “If I thought Putin didn’t want this over, I wouldn’t even be talking,” he told reporters. He declined to reveal what might make him withdraw from talks, citing negotiation strategy.
Trump confirmed he urged Putin to meet in person, saying, “I said, ‘When are we going to end this bloodbath?’ I do believe he wants to end it.” The call, according to Trump, “went very well.” He also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO leaders afterward, suggesting the Vatican as a potential host for peace talks.
Putin, in remarks from Sochi, said he is open to drafting a “memorandum” for a future peace agreement but stressed the need for compromise from both sides.
Despite Trump’s campaign pledge to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, Russian strikes in Ukraine have intensified. The U.S. has not set clear conditions but hinted Ukraine may need to give up its NATO bid and some territory for peace.
Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. is open to abandoning negotiations if Russia isn’t serious. He added that economic incentives remain possible if Moscow ends the violence.
Russia still insists on Ukraine ceding four regions and Crimea and permanently dropping its NATO aspirations. Ukraine, meanwhile, seeks a full 30-day ceasefire to enable broader peace talks. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia remains stuck on old demands from the 2022 Istanbul talks and called for more pressure on Moscow.
Despite the diplomatic moves, fighting continues. Russia launched 112 drones across Ukraine on Sunday night, with Ukraine’s air force intercepting 76. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have downed 35 Ukrainian drones.
Trump emphasized trade as a future incentive for both nations, saying the end of war could unlock economic potential for Russia and help Ukraine rebuild.
