Trump: Russia and Ukraine to 'immediately' begin ceasefire talks

In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine are set to begin immediate negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire and ultimately ending the war.

Trump said he had just concluded a two-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the tone and spirit of the conversation as "excellent." According to the US President, both sides will negotiate the conditions for peace independently, emphasizing that only they are fully aware of the intricate details needed to reach a resolution.

“If it wasn’t [excellent], I would say so now, rather than later,” Trump noted, adding that both countries stand to benefit greatly from a future peace, particularly in trade and economic recovery. He expressed optimism about large-scale US-Russia trade prospects once the conflict ends and highlighted Ukraine’s opportunity for economic revitalization during its post-war reconstruction.

Trump also stated that he had informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb about the development in follow-up calls. He added that the Vatican, represented by the Pope, has shown interest in hosting the upcoming negotiations.

“Let the process begin!” Trump declared in his closing line.