By Anthony Marcus for Eurasia Business News, May 19, 2025. Article no. 1525.
U..S President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a two-hour phone call focused primarily on the war in Ukraine and prospects for peace negotiations. Following the call, Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and, more importantly, an end to the war“.
Yesterday night Trump announced a phone call to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on May 19.
Trump described the tone and spirit of the dialogue as excellent and indicated that the terms would be settled between Russia and Ukraine themselves, as they have the best insight into the negotiations.
“Just completed my two hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump announced on Truth Social. “I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.”
The Russian president called the conversation “meaningful, frank and useful” and thanked Donald Trump for mediating in the resumption of dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.
Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is ready to work with Kyiv on a memorandum for a future peace agreement, which could include ceasefire issues and principles for resolving the conflict, emphasizing the need to find agreeable solutions for all sides. The Kremlin confirmed that the conversation was “frank and meaningful,” with discussions also touching on prospects for expanded trade between Russia and the United States once the conflict ends.
Putin said that “Russia is in favor of stopping hostilities, but it is necessary to work out the most effective ways to achieve peace with Ukraine.”
Trump briefed multiple world leaders after the call, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. He also noted that the Vatican, represented by the Pope, expressed interest in facilitating the negotiations.
The call came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts following recent talks in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian representatives, which saw limited progress beyond a prisoner exchange. European leaders had urged Trump to pressure Putin for an immediate ceasefire, but Putin has been reluctant to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, insisting on conditions Ukraine finds unacceptable.
Vice President JD Vance indicated that the Trump administration was assessing whether Putin was serious about negotiating peace, with Trump prepared to walk away if not.
The May 19 call between Trump and Putin marked a significant step in reviving peace talks, with both leaders expressing willingness to pursue negotiations toward ending the conflict, though key details and timelines remain to be determined.
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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1525.
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