U.S. President Donald Trump spoke separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday as part of an effort to help end the war between the two countries.
"Just completed my two hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War," President Trump said on Truth Social following the call.
He added that the “tone and spirit” of the conversation was “excellent.”
Speaking to reporters later on Monday, President Trump reiterated that he believed Putin was ready to begin negotiations.
"I think he's had enough," President Trump told Scripps News. "This has been a long time. This has been going on for more than three years."
"I think something's going to happen," he said. "And if it doesn't, I just back away and they're going to have to keep going.”
President Trump indicated the White House would assess whether to further arm Ukraine, in the event that Russia remained an obstacle to a peace deal.
But "I like to think positively, frankly," the president said. "I just can't believe that they allow this to continue.”
The call came one day after Zelenskyy met with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome, where they attended the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV.
"The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations," President Trump stated.
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The talks are set to begin amid intensified bombings inside Ukraine and just days after Putin declined Zelenskyy’s invitation for a face-to-face meeting.
Despite that setback, delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey met Friday. The Associated Press reported the sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each.
Trump also expressed optimism about the long-term economic potential for both countries.
"There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country," he said.
