In a high-stakes diplomatic move aimed at halting the devastating Ukraine war, US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signalling renewed efforts to broker peace. After a two-hour call with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Russia and Ukraine would begin 'immediate' negotiations toward a ceasefire and an end to the war.

He described the call as positive and said only the two nations could set the terms, given their knowledge of the conflict’s details. Trump noted Russia’s interest in future trade with the US and said both Russia and Ukraine could benefit economically after peace is achieved. Trump said he informed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and several European leaders about the peace initiative. He also mentioned the Vatican’s interest in hosting the negotiations.

Putin Backs Peaceful Settlement In Ukraine

Following the conversation, Russian state media reported that Putin described the exchange as "very informative and quite a frank conversation," thanking Trump for Washington’s role in reviving direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations. “Russia, too, favours a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis,” Putin said, while both leaders acknowledged the urgent need to chart a path toward a ceasefire and lasting peace. Vice President JD Vance, speaking earlier in the day, acknowledged the high stakes of the dialogue and said Trump is expected to press Putin on his willingness to end the war. “We’re at a bit of an impasse,” Vance noted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with top officials on May 19 to assess the results of recent Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul. Earlier on Saturday, Donald Trump expressed hope that the war would soon end, calling for a ceasefire and stating the conflict should never have occurred. He also plans follow-up calls with Zelensky and NATO leaders.

'US Remains Open To Walking Away'

Vance emphasised that the US will not “spin its wheels” in stalled peace talks with Russia, signalling impatience over the lack of progress. Speaking aboard Air Force Two, Vance said President Trump plans to directly question Vladimir Putin’s seriousness about ending the war. While acknowledging that Putin has made some concessions, Vance noted that negotiations are at an impasse and suggested that Putin may not have a clear strategy to exit the conflict. He reiterated that the US remains open to walking away from the talks if meaningful progress is not made.

ALSO READ: Colombian Influencer Shot Dead At Point-Blank Range: Who Was Maria Jose Sanchez? Is Her Ex-Boyfriend The Prime Suspect? WATCH

Zelenskyy Doubts Putin's Commitment To Peace Talks

Zelenskyy has criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for not being serious about peace negotiations, pointing to the low-level delegation Russia sent to the Istanbul talks. According to Zelenskyy, these delegates lacked the authority to make meaningful decisions. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that resolving the conflict would be a slow and complex process but affirmed Russia’s willingness to engage. The comments came shortly before Trump and Putin held a phone call, their first publicly confirmed conversation since Trump returned to the White House on January 20. They spoke again on March 18 for two hours, and the Kremlin hinted there may have been additional, undisclosed communications. All calls have been conducted via secure lines with interpreters present.

ALSO READ: Bilawal Bhutto Vs Shashi Tharoor: Pakistan’s Political Theatre Now At Global Stage