Putin and Trump Join Forces to Explore Ukraine Peace Accord

• Putin claims negotiations are progressing.
• Russian president expresses willingness to collaborate with Ukraine for peace.
• Russia indicates that the ceasefire proposal needs further discussion.

MOSCOW: Following a call with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine are making headway. He emphasized that Moscow is open to collaborating with Ukraine on a potential memorandum for a future peace agreement.

Putin expressed his gratitude to Trump for advocating the revival of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, noting that Trump acknowledged Russia’s commitment to peace, though he added that the crucial question remains how to make concrete steps toward peace.

“We have reached an agreement with the United States president that Russia will present a proposal and is prepared to work with Ukraine on a memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty. This will define several key aspects, such as the settlement principles and a timeline for a possible peace agreement,” Putin informed reporters at a press conference near Sochi, located by the Black Sea.

If suitable agreements are made, a ceasefire could be on the horizon, Putin noted, adding that the direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine “provides reason to believe that we are indeed on the right track.”

“It’s essential to understand that Russia’s position remains clear. Our priority is to address the underlying causes of this crisis,” he added. “We must identify the most effective pathways to achieving peace.”

In a post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to “immediately” commence ceasefire discussions.

“I just wrapped up a two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin. I believe the conversation went very well,” he said.

“Russia and Ukraine are set to enter negotiations towards a ceasefire and, more importantly, an end to the conflict.”

Trump also mentioned that the tone and atmosphere of the conversation were positive.

The Vatican—where Pope Leo XIV was recently elected as the first American pope—is “very interested” in hosting the talks between Russia and Ukraine, Trump added.

Following a phone call between European leaders and Trump on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on X, “Tomorrow, President Putin needs to demonstrate his commitment to peace by accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump and supported by Ukraine and Europe.”

Putin remains cautious about a ceasefire, asserting that hostilities cannot cease until specific conditions are met, including suspending Western arms supplies for Ukraine.

European leaders express skepticism regarding Putin’s sincerity about peace. They fear that Trump may withdraw support for Ukraine, compelling it to accept a harsh peace deal that could result in the loss of a fifth of its territory and inadequate security guarantees against future aggression.

Before Trump took office this year, Washington, along with Western European allies and Ukraine, condemned Russia’s invasion as an act of imperial expansion.

Trump’s administration has shifted the U.S. stance toward acknowledging some aspects of Russia’s narrative about the conflict, which Moscow claims was initiated due to security concerns stemming from Ukraine’s westward alignment.