**Trump and Putin Agree to Ceasefire Talks as Ukraine War Enters Critical Phase**

In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a two-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19, 2025.

The discussion centered on initiating immediate ceasefire negotiations to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump hailed the breakthrough, announcing that peace talks would commence "immediately" and confirmed that he had personally briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders on the agreement.

However, Putin's response struck a more cautious tone. While describing the dialogue as "useful and open," he stopped short of committing to an immediate cessation of hostilities. Instead, the Russian leader emphasized Moscow's willingness to discuss a "possible peace agreement" but notably omitted any firm pledge to halt military operations beforehand. This ambiguity has raised concerns in Kyiv, where officials fear Russia may use prolonged negotiations to consolidate territorial gains.

Trump, who has frequently positioned himself as a dealmaker in international conflicts, revealed that the U.S. maintains a "red line" in the crisis—though he declined to specify its nature. Striking a controversial note, he added, "This was a European problem, and it should remain a European problem," a remark likely to fuel debates about America's future role in the conflict.

Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed apprehension over the developments, warning that any U.S. disengagement from direct negotiations could inadvertently strengthen Russia's position and undermine peace efforts. His concerns appear validated by battlefield realities: even as diplomatic maneuvers unfold, Russian forces continue their offensive in eastern Ukraine, with intense clashes reported near Donetsk and Pokrovsk.