Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed a major diplomatic development, stating that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.” The announcement came after a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Trump described as having gone “very well.”
In a detailed post shared on his social media, Trump emphasized the “excellent” tone and spirit of the conversation, asserting that both nations will now negotiate conditions internally, suggesting that only Russia and Ukraine are equipped to understand the necessary terms.
Trump said that Russia is interested in large-scale trade with the U.S. once the “catastrophic bloodbath” ends. He called this a “tremendous opportunity” for Russia to create jobs and wealth, with “UNLIMITED” potential. Ukraine, he noted, stands to benefit significantly from future trade opportunities and in rebuilding its economy post-conflict.
Trump added that he has informed key global leaders about this development, including 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. The Vatican, too, has expressed interest in hosting the negotiations, according to Trump.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2025
He concluded the post with an emphatic: “Let the process begin!” indicating momentum toward potential peace talks. However, there has been no immediate confirmation or response from Russia, Ukraine, or other global leaders mentioned.
