On Monday, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a 2-hour conversation, which the U.S. described as an effort to persuade Russia to cease its violent conflict in Ukraine.
Both leaders spoke positively about the call, with Putin noting it was “frank” and “useful.” However, the specific outcomes of the discussion remain unclear.
Trump took to social media to commend the call, stating it went “very well” and announced that “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.”
The ceasefire talks fell through after a Ukrainian delegation said it was presented with demands from the Russian delegation that were “unacceptable,” including reported calls for the complete removal of Ukrainian troops from four Ukrainian regions that Russian illegally annexed in 2022, including Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia.
The Russian delegation also allegedly demanded that the international community not only recognize the regions as now Russian, but cease aid to Ukraine, including plans to supply peace-keeping troops once the fighting concludes.
Trump said he immediately alerted not only Zelenskyy and Macron to the call, but also Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb – none of whom immediately responded to Fox News Digitals questions, nor have they pubically commented on the call.
Trump also claimed that “the Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations.
TIRANA, ALBANIA – MAY 16: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This Handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images’ editorial policy.) In this handout image provided by the German Government Press Office (BPA), (LtoR) Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, hold a telephone conversation with US President Trump on the sidelines of a meeting at the 6th European Political Community summit on May 16, 2025 at Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by KuglerSteffen/Bundesregierung via Getty Images)
“Let the process begin,” he added, though negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the U.S., began months ago in March.
The Vatican also did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions, though on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV took to X and said, “The Holy See is willing to help enemies meet, so they may look each other in the eye and so people may be given back the dignity they deserve: the dignity of peace.
“With heart in hand, I say to the leaders of nations: let us meet; let us dialogue; let us negotiate!” he added.
