**In a significant diplomatic development, President Donald Trump has confirmed that Russia and Ukraine will begin ceasefire negotiations following a productive phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.**
**Trump Announces Immediate Ceasefire Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine**
**Trump Announces Immediate Ceasefire Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine**
**Former President calls for peace talks amid ongoing conflict, emphasizing need for direct negotiations.**
In a substantial diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine are set to start negotiating towards a ceasefire after a lengthy two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump described the call as "going very well," but emphasized that the terms of peace must be established through negotiations involving both parties directly.
Putin indicated his willingness to collaborate with Ukraine on a "memorandum on a possible future peace agreement," though he did not address calls from the U.S. and European nations for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. Following the conversation with Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed that this moment is critical for achieving peace, urging the U.S. to remain engaged in the negotiation process to prevent benefitting Putin.
Despite the constructive tone of Trump's discussions with Putin, no specific timeline for negotiations was provided, nor clear signals from Moscow regarding any compromises on its position regarding a ceasefire. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's demand for a "full and unconditional ceasefire," warning of the need for tougher sanctions should Russia refuse to engage seriously in peace talks.
Zelensky underscored the importance of having both American and European representation at the negotiation table, terming it essential for progress. He added that he had communicated with Trump following his talks with Putin, highlighting the necessity of not making decisions about Ukraine without its involvement.
At a subsequent White House event, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to mediating these negotiations, while he indicated having a personal "red line" regarding how long he would persist in facilitating discussions if no advancements are made. Trump expressed his belief that Putin might be ready to end the conflict.
Putin, who characterized the conversation with Trump as "frank and constructive," reiterated that Russia is prepared to engage with Ukraine regarding peace terms. He acknowledged the need to establish various principles for a potential settlement, including a possible ceasefire if a consensus can be reached.
Additionally, during a joint call that included prominent European leaders, Zelensky thanked Trump for his relentless efforts for peace and voiced the importance of U.S. involvement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the significance of Trump's engagement, while recent looks towards the Vatican for potential mediation have been well received.
However, tensions remain high as recent escalations in violence include significant Russian aerial attacks resulting in civilian casualties in Ukraine. Doubts linger over Russia’s commitment to genuine peace efforts, especially in light of a historical pattern of previously declared temporary ceasefires that have frequently ended in renewed conflict.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor these developments closely, with hopes for an enduring resolution to the ongoing conflict that has persisted since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
