Trump Says Ceasefire Talks Between Russia, Ukraine Will Start ‘Immediately’
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Monday that after speaking with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine in back-to-back calls, negotiations toward a ceasefire — and “more importantly, an end to the war” — between the two nations will start “immediately.”
Trump’s announcement via his Truth Social platform came after what he described as a “two-hour call” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which followed an earlier discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I believe it went very well,” the president said of his conversation with Putin.
He went on to say that the conditions for an end to the hostilities “will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”
That said, Trump described the “tone and spirit” of his conversation with Putin as “excellent.”
“If it wasn’t, I would say so now rather than later,” he added.
As he did after hostilities recently broke out between India and Pakistan, Trump said “trade” was the carrot enticing the combatants to the bargaining table.
“Russia wants to do large-scale trade with the United States when this catastrophic ‘bloodbath’ is over, and I agree,” Trump said.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is Unlimited,” the president said. “Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on trade, in the process of rebuilding its country.”
Trump called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine before he took office for his second term, and had seemed to grow frustrated over his inability to get either side to agree to terms.
In recent weeks, he has been pushing for a 30-day ceasefire, enough time for both sides to see their way clear to an end of the conflict.
Trump closed his Truth Social post by saying he had already informed Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finland President Alexander Stubb of the outcome of his call with Putin.
He noted that the Vatican has also stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations.
“Let the process begin,” Trump said.
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue
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