In a dramatic development that could reshape the course of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced via his official social media account that Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin negotiations toward a ceasefire and ultimately, an end to the war.
Trump stated that he had just concluded a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the conversation as “excellent” in both tone and spirit. He emphasized that both sides are now prepared to initiate peace talks, with the ultimate goal of ending what he termed a “catastrophic bloodbath.”
“The conditions for peace will be negotiated directly between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump noted, adding that only the parties involved are privy to the specific details.
The former president also claimed that Russia is eager to resume large-scale trade relations with the United States once peace is achieved — a sentiment he said he shares. He described the post-war economic potential for both Russia and Ukraine as “UNLIMITED,” and underscored Ukraine’s role in future trade and reconstruction efforts.
In a notable diplomatic move, Trump said he immediately informed key global leaders of the 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.
Additionally, Trump revealed that the Vatican, through Pope Leo XIV, has expressed strong interest in hosting the negotiations.
“Let the process begin,” Trump declared, signaling a new chapter in the ongoing effort to bring peace to Eastern Europe.
