The U.S. President Donald Trump announced that ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would begin immediately following a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two-hour discussion, which took place on May 19, 2025, has ignited cautious optimism worldwide, though mixed messages from Moscow have cast doubt on the timeline and terms of the talks.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the call, Trump described the conversation with Putin as “very positive” and emphasized that both parties expressed a willingness to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing war. “We had a great call. Talks will start immediately,” Trump said. He further revealed that Pope Leo XIV has offered the Vatican as a neutral ground for the proposed negotiations, adding that other possible venues include Turkey and Switzerland.
However, the Kremlin offered a starkly different interpretation of the call. A spokesperson from Moscow stated that while discussions took place, no concrete timeline or agreement had been reached for immediate ceasefire talks. Russia reiterated its longstanding demands, including the demilitarization of Ukraine and a significant reduction in Western military and financial support for Kyiv. These preconditions remain major obstacles, as they are widely considered unacceptable by Ukraine and its allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the news with measured optimism. While welcoming any genuine efforts toward peace, he made it clear that Ukraine would not accept terms that compromise its sovereignty. Zelenskyy called for continued U.S. leadership in the negotiation process and confirmed Ukraine’s openness to holding talks in a neutral location, provided that Russia engages in good faith and drops its aggressive demands.
The announcement has sparked international reactions, with European leaders watching developments closely. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the Vatican’s offer to host the negotiations and called for a unified international approach to pressure Russia into meaningful dialogue. Some EU officials have suggested that additional sanctions could be considered if Moscow continues to stall or manipulate the peace process.
From Washington, the Biden administration has treaded cautiously. While the White House welcomed any credible move toward de-escalation, officials expressed skepticism over the Kremlin’s true intentions and warned against taking Trump’s optimistic assessment at face value. Critics argue that Trump may be leveraging the situation for political gain as the 2025 U.S. presidential campaign intensifies.
Despite the mixed signals, global hopes are rising that a window for diplomacy may be opening in a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and devastated Ukraine’s infrastructure. However, the road to peace remains uncertain, with both political and military complexities threatening to derail progress before it even begins.
As the world watches closely, one thing is clear: any breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine war will require not just dialogue, but mutual concessions and international unity. Until both sides commit to genuine negotiations, peace will remain an elusive goal.
RELATED
Mohammed Sinwar Hamas Commander Reportedly Killed in Israeli Tunnel Strike
Pope Leo XIV Pleads for Peace in First Sunday Address: “No More War”
