Trump announces immediate ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia after Putin call

On 19 May, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine and Russia would “immediately” begin negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately ending the ongoing war between the two nations.

The announcement followed a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Trump described as having gone “very well” with an “excellent” tone and spirit. In a detailed post on Truth Social, Trump outlined his vision for the peace process, emphasizing that the details of the negotiations would be handled directly by Ukraine and Russia due to their unique understanding of the conflict’s complexities.

Trump also revealed that he had informed key international leaders about 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. These leaders were briefed immediately after Trump’s call with Putin. Notably, Trump mentioned that the Vatican, represented by Pope Francis, has expressed strong interest in hosting the negotiations, signalling potential international support for the peace process.

Broader context and economic incentives

In his Truth Social post, Trump highlighted Russia’s interest in expanding trade with the United States, a prospect he endorsed, stating it could create “a huge amount of jobs and wealth” and unlock Russia’s “unlimited potential.” This comment suggests that economic incentives might play a role in Trump’s strategy to encourage Russian cooperation in the peace talks.

However, the post did not address the Kremlin’s previous rejection of an unconditional ceasefire, nor did it mention potential U.S. sanctions or other diplomatic pressures to ensure Moscow’s compliance, raising questions about the feasibility of the proposed negotiations.

Zelenskyy’s response and proposed meeting formats

Prior to his conversation with Putin, Trump reportedly spoke with Zelenskyy for several minutes, according to CNN. Zelenskyy, addressing reporters after discussions with European leaders and Trump, confirmed that Ukraine and its allies are exploring the possibility of a high-level meeting involving representatives from the United States, Ukraine, Russia, European national security advisers, and the United Kingdom. Potential venues for this meeting include Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland, all of which Zelenskyy described as “good” options due to their neutrality and diplomatic credibility.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the choice of format and location would depend on which venue could deliver “an appropriate result” post-meeting. He expressed optimism about the process, stating that an answer on the meeting’s details would likely be forthcoming “in the near future.” This development aligns with Zelenskyy’s earlier calls for international mediation to facilitate dialogue with Russia, though he has consistently stressed that any agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

What the Western press says

The announcement comes amid heightened diplomatic activity as the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its third year, continues to devastate Ukraine and strain global relations. According to a Reuters report from 19 May, Trump’s proactive engagement with both Putin and Zelenskyy reflects his administration’s intent to prioritize a swift resolution to the conflict, though analysts remain sceptical about Russia’s willingness to negotiate without significant concessions. The Wall Street Journal noted that Trump’s approach appears to blend diplomatic outreach with economic overtures, such as the trade opportunities he referenced, which could appeal to Russia’s struggling economy under Western sanctions.

However, the absence of any mention of sanctions or consequences for Russia in Trump’s statement has drawn criticism. A BBC analysis from 20 May pointed out that Putin’s rejection of an unconditional ceasefire in prior statements complicates the prospects for immediate talks. Additionally, Ukraine’s insistence on the return of occupied territories, as reiterated by Zelenskyy in a recent interview with European Pravda, remains a sticking point that could hinder negotiations.

Challenges and next steps

The proposed talks represent a significant diplomatic push, but their success hinges on several factors. First, Russia’s willingness to engage in good faith remains uncertain, given Putin’s track record of demanding territorial concessions and demilitarisation of Ukraine – conditions Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. Second, the involvement of neutral mediators like the Vatican, Turkey, or Switzerland could lend credibility to the process, but aligning the interests of multiple stakeholders, including the U.S., EU, and UK, will be a logistical challenge.

Zelenskyy’s emphasis on a “result-oriented” meeting suggests that Ukraine is approaching the talks cautiously, prioritising tangible outcomes over symbolic gestures. The inclusion of European national security advisers and the UK indicates a broader coalition to pressure Russia, though the exact format of the talks remains unclear.

As the international community awaits further details, Trump’s announcement has sparked cautious optimism but also scepticism about the feasibility of an immediate ceasefire. The coming weeks will likely clarify whether this diplomatic initiative can gain traction or if it will face the same obstacles that have stalled previous peace efforts.

Additional sources: Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, CNN

Caption: US President Donald Trump speaks, during a Kennedy Center Board dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 19 May 2025. [EPA-EFE/SAMUEL CORUM / POOL]