U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine will begin immediate negotiations for a ceasefire, following a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the Kremlin has declined to set any deadlines, saying talks will take time and involve complex negotiations.
Trump, who relayed the outcome to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top European leaders in a group call, stated on social media:
“Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.”
While Trump hailed the move as a sign of “some progress,” Russia was more cautious. Speaking in Sochi, Putin confirmed that Moscow was ready to work on a memorandum with Ukraine outlining principles for a future peace deal but added, “there are no deadlines and there cannot be any.”
Kremlin: Talks Will Be "Complex"
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said both sides faced “complex contacts” to develop a ceasefire and peace framework. “The devil is in the details,” he added, indicating that any meaningful breakthrough would take time.
Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, noted that the leaders also discussed a prisoner exchange involving nine Russians and nine Americans. Trump reportedly described future U.S.–Russia relations as having “impressive potential.”
European Leaders Push for Sanctions, Trump Holds Back
Following Trump’s briefing, EU leaders—including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—opted to tighten sanctions on Russia. Trump, however, signaled reluctance to apply new economic pressure.
“There could be a time where that’s going to happen,” he told reporters, but warned that sanctions might also “make it much worse.”
He added: “There are some big egos involved. If there’s no progress, I’m just going to back away. This is not my war.”
Zelenskyy Proposes High-Level Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness for direct talks “in any format that brings results.” He suggested that a high-level meeting involving Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., the EU, and the UK could take place in Türkiye, the Vatican, or Switzerland.
Trump said Pope Leo XIV had expressed interest in hosting talks at the Vatican, though the Holy See has not yet commented.
Analysts: Putin Gains Time, Avoids Pressure
Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt called the development “undoubtedly a win for Putin,” noting that Russia continues military operations while appearing open to talks.
Putin has rejected a 30-day truce proposed by Trump and remains firm on Russia’s demands, which include the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four occupied regions.
“The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis,” Putin said, adding that the proposed memorandum would set out “the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement.”
Outlook
While both sides have agreed to continue direct contact for the first time since March 2022, no major breakthroughs have been achieved. The U.S. remains cautious, the EU is pushing for tougher measures, and Ukraine continues to press for tangible commitments from Moscow.
As Trump seeks to broker a ceasefire without alienating either side, the next steps in the negotiation process remain uncertain—and time is still a critical factor in ending Europe’s deadliest conflict in decades.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade ...
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes ai...
Kyrgyzstan is seeking to boost fuel imports from China as it looks to diversify supplies and reduce the risks of its heavy reliance on Russia....
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Residents of villages in eastern Indonesia hit by a deadly earthquake that killed at least 54 people were awaiting aid on Monday as rescuers prepared to comb through collapsed buildings in search of people trapped beneath the rubble.
Britain will continue to support Ukraine “100 per cent” against Russia’s invasion, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Tuesday, after Moscow warned London of consequences over reports that British-made drones had been used in strikes on Russian territory.
Russia has summoned Japan’s ambassador to Moscow and delivered a strong protest over what it called “anti-Russian” remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi concerning four disputed islands.
Pakistan is turning to more U.S. crude as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz exposes the risks of its heavy reliance on Gulf energy supplies.
U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Xavier Brunson visited South Korea's Defence Ministry on Tuesday to discuss plans to scale back the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, according to media reports.
European countries are stepping up investment in drones and counter-drone technology as unmanned systems reshape modern warfare, driving demand for new production and capabilities across the continent.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment