Directly from president #TRUMP : I just finished a two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and I believe it went very well. We discussed the urgent need for peace, and I’m pleased to announce that Russia and Ukraine will begin negotiations immediately toward a ceasefire — and, more importantly, a permanent end to the war.

The specific terms will be worked out directly between Russia and Ukraine, as only they have full knowledge of the conflict’s complexities. I can say the tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it hadn’t been productive, I would say so directly.

President Putin expressed a strong desire for large-scale trade with the United States once this tragic war ends. I support that vision. There’s a major opportunity for Russia to generate jobs and wealth — its economic potential is enormous. Similarly, Ukraine has immense potential to thrive economically through trade as it rebuilds its country.

Negotiations between the two nations are set to begin right away. Following my call with President Putin, I informed key global leaders including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission), President Emmanuel Macron (France), Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Germany), and President Alexander Stubb (Finland).

I also spoke with the Vatican, which conveyed that the Pope would be interested in hosting the negotiations. This is a positive and constructive step forward.

Let the process begin.