On May 19, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine are set to immediately commence negotiations to end their ongoing war, with potential hosting by the Vatican.

This announcement followed phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump reported that his call with Putin went well, stating that Moscow and Kyiv would 'immediately begin negotiations' aimed at establishing a ceasefire and concluding hostilities.

He indicated that the Vatican, represented by the Pope, has expressed interest in facilitating these discussions.

Trump made this information public through a post on the Truth Social platform.

Putin characterized his conversation with Trump as straightforward and constructive, noting in a press conference that the U.S. President acknowledged Russia's support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis.

The Russian President also expressed Russia’s readiness to draft a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine, which would include a ceasefire.

He emphasized the need for 'mutual concessions' and addressing the root causes of the conflict.

This marks the third official conversation between Trump and Putin in 2025. The Trump administration has been actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, which is perceived as a source of significant losses for the United States.

Putin remarked, 'We are generally on the right track regarding Ukraine,' reiterating Russia's support for cessation of hostilities while highlighting the importance of developing effective pathways to peace.

The Russian government accused European countries of attempting to steer Trump away from a moderate stance on the Ukraine conflict, alleging that their approach aims to undermine Russia's position.

Ukrainian President Zelensky communicated that he received information from Trump regarding his conversation with Putin.

Zelensky indicated that Ukraine is now awaiting a draft from Russia outlining what it considers the principles for ending the war, which will be communicated to the United States.

He mentioned, 'What we understood is that Russia does not merely seek a ceasefire to end the war, but also other issues that I cannot assess until I know more.' Zelensky further asserted that Ukraine requires a ceasefire demonstration before trusting Russia, and emphasized, 'I do not know if Russia is ready to end the war now.' He proposed that future talks could be held in Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland.

In the lead-up to the Trump-Putin call, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance indicated that Washington recognizes the current stalemate in efforts to conclude the war and suggested that the U.S. might withdraw from ongoing diplomatic efforts if Moscow fails to respond positively.

Vance noted, 'We recognize that there is some gridlock, and I think the President will tell President Putin: Look, are you serious?

Are you honest about this?' He added, 'I believe President Putin doesn’t entirely know how to end this war.'

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that the only way to make progress towards ending the war in Ukraine is for Trump to discuss the matter with Putin.

Under Trump’s influence, representatives from both warring sides met in Istanbul last Friday, marking their first encounter since March 2022, following Putin's suggestion of direct negotiations.

Meanwhile, Ukraine and its European allies continue to demand an immediate ceasefire.