Washington DC [US], May 20 (HBTV): Russia and Ukraine will "immediately" begin negotiations toward a ceasefire and a potential end to the ongoing war, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday (local time), following a two-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Taking to Truth Social, President Trump described the ‘tone and spirit’ of the conversation as ‘excellent’, emphasising that both nations are now ready to engage in direct talks aimed at ending a conflict that has lasted over three years.

‘Just completed my two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. 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 conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know the details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of. The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent,’ Trump stated.

He further indicated that Russia has shown interest in large-scale trade with the United States once the conflict is resolved, calling its economic potential ‘unlimited’. Trump also highlighted the opportunity for Ukraine to benefit economically during its rebuilding phase.

‘If it wasn't, I would say so now, rather than later. Russia wants to do large-scale trade with the United States when this catastrophic "bloodbath" is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is unlimited. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on trade, in the process of rebuilding its country. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately,’ he added.

Following the conversation with Putin, Trump said he informed several key international leaders, 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 disclosed that the Vatican, under the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, has expressed interest in hosting the peace negotiations. This offer follows the Pope’s public proposal on May 16 to facilitate talks, after earlier ceasefire negotiations in Istanbul failed to bring about a breakthrough despite a prisoner exchange agreement between the two countries.

‘I have so informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of Italy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, of Germany, and President Alexander Stubb, of Finland, during a call with me, immediately after the call with President Putin. The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin!’ Trump posted.

The announcement follows recent discussions in Istanbul, which Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Chair Grigory Karasin described as a ‘milestone’, despite the absence of both Putin and Zelenskyy from those talks.

(ANI)