Trump and Putin Push for Russia–Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

Tuesday 20 May 2025 - 07:30

By: Zahouani Ilham

Trump and Putin Push for Russia–Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

Following a phone conversation lasting over two hours with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will initiate direct negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ending the ongoing war, which has lasted for four years.

Putin affirmed that peace efforts were making progress and that Russia is willing to work on a memorandum with Ukraine outlining the principles and timeline of a future peace agreement. He expressed appreciation for Trump’s support in reviving dialogue between the two nations and emphasized the need to tackle the core causes of the conflict.

During a press conference near Sochi, Putin stated that if agreements are reached, a ceasefire could be established, highlighting Russia's clarity in its peace-seeking objectives. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, noted there are no set deadlines, as complexities remain.

Trump described the call as very positive and mentioned that the Vatican, represented by the Pope, has shown interest in hosting the peace talks. He supported the idea of negotiations at the Vatican, suggesting it would add symbolic value to the process.

Trump also reportedly asked Putin when the war would end and hinted at potential sanctions on Russia, although he gave no specifics. According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Moscow, the call was significant for Putin, who sees the US as a key influencer in the conflict.

Trump has since briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. Zelenskyy expressed willingness to negotiate in Turkey, Switzerland, or the Vatican and insisted on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. He called on Russia to demonstrate genuine readiness to engage in productive talks and urged continued US involvement.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed that European leaders, including Zelenskyy, Macron, and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, welcomed the Pope’s offer to host the discussions. Meloni’s office stated that preparations are underway to begin talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and a lasting peace.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb underscored the importance of coordination between the US and Europe, describing the recent conversation with Trump and European leaders as productive.

Trump, who has pledged to swiftly end the conflict, has renewed his push for a ceasefire after years of US support for Ukraine’s defense. Putin, however, turned down Zelenskyy’s recent offer for a meeting in Turkey, preferring instead bilateral talks.

The initial direct discussions in Istanbul—the first in three years—resulted only in an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war. However, Russian demands that Ukraine withdraw from all territories claimed by Moscow remain a major obstacle, as Ukraine continues to resist such conditions.

Ukraine’s intelligence chief stated that the prisoner swap might take place within days. While wrapping up a trip to the Middle East, Trump remarked that Putin skipped the Istanbul meeting because Trump wasn’t present, adding he still believes a personal meeting might resolve the issue.

European leaders have made it clear that without progress toward a ceasefire, they want the US to back new sanctions on Russia. Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy consulted with Trump before his discussion with Putin. Meanwhile, in Kyiv, the reaction has been cautious, with analysts noting that celebrations are unlikely without more concrete progress.

These talks came just a day after Russia launched its largest drone assault on Ukraine since the war began. Ukraine's intelligence service also warned of a potential missile launch by Moscow.