Trump, who is more enthusiastic as usual, but is also seen by analysts to be in a difficult position due to Putin’s ongoing diplomatic maneuvers, quickly announced that Moscow and Kyiv will immediately begin negotiations, while the Russian leader reportedly spoke about signing a memorandum with Ukraine based on mutual concessions and compromises from both sides — although, as is well known, when Putin talks about mutual concessions, he usually does not include himself.

Specifically, Trump wrote after the phone call that the atmosphere was “excellent,” and referred to great prospects for Russia and Ukraine once the war ends.

He stated that if the atmosphere wasn’t good, he would say so now, rather than later. Trump emphasized that the ceasefire and peace terms will be negotiated only between the two warring countries “because they know details of the negotiation that no one else would know.”

He also said that Russia wants to engage in “large-scale trade with the United States when this devastating ‘bloodbath’ is over,” and that Ukraine could benefit greatly from the process of rebuilding its country.

Trump noted that he informed international leaders about his discussion with Putin, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, all immediately after his conversation with Putin.

He also mentioned that the Vatican “would be very interested in hosting” the peace negotiations.

He concluded by saying, “Let the process begin!”

In his statement, the American president said:

“I just finished my two-hour phone call with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. I believe it went very well.”

“Russia and Ukraine will begin negotiations immediately to achieve a ceasefire and, most importantly, to end the war. The terms for this will be negotiated only between the two sides — because only they know the details of the negotiation that no one else would know.”

“The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If they weren’t, I would say so now, rather than later.”

“Russia wants to engage in large-scale TRADE with the United States when this destructive ‘bloodbath’ is over — I agree with that. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create huge amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED.”

“Similarly, Ukraine could be a big beneficiary in trade and in the process of rebuilding its country.”

“Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will start immediately. I informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, all during phone calls with me, immediately after my conversation with President Putin.”

“Vatican, as represented by the Pope, stated it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations.”

“Let the process begin!”

The marathon phone call — Putin: “Let’s sign a memorandum, but compromises will be needed”

Prior to this, there was the marathon phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Ukraine, which lasted two hours, according to Ria Novosti. The Russian president described the conversation as “sincere and useful.”

It appears that Moscow proposed starting discussions to sign a memorandum with Kyiv to initiate the peace process. According to leaks from Russia about the “sincere and substantive” conversation between the two men, a ceasefire is possible under certain conditions. The recent bilateral meeting in Istanbul was a step in the right direction. Russia and Ukraine need to find common ground with mutual concessions.

Putin reportedly thanked Trump for restarting Russia-Ukraine talks. Additionally, according to RIA Novosti, Putin stated that Moscow and Kyiv need to find compromises and that Russia is ready to cooperate on signing a memorandum with Ukraine, supporting a peaceful settlement.

Leaked from the Kremlin, the Russian president emphasized that the “roots” leading to the war must be eliminated.

According to Reuters, Putin connected from a music school located in Sochi on the Black Sea, while Trump was in Washington. Foreign agencies report that the two leaders communicated via encrypted lines and with interpreters present, as Putin speaks some English but uses only Russian for negotiations.

Zelensky:

In turn, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv and its partners are considering organizing a summit involving himself, Russia, the USA, EU countries, and Britain, as part of efforts to end the war.

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv after his two phone conversations today with U.S. President Donald Trump (before and after Trump’s call with Putin), Zelensky said he hopes this meeting will take place as soon as possible. The summit could be hosted by Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland, he added.

He also announced that he has ordered the formation of a “permanent and expanded national negotiation team.” “Ukraine is not afraid of direct talks with Russia, and it is important that the Russian leadership does not prolong the war,” he emphasized.

He noted that Russian attempts to “launch threats” against Ukraine’s negotiation team in Turkey were rejected, and that the Ukrainian delegation managed to “keep negotiations at a dignified level.” “We are also ready for a leader-level meeting to resolve key issues,” Zelensky concluded.

The goals of both sides:

Earlier, Trump, through the White House, had stated that he is tired and disappointed, but his goal is to end the war, while Vice President Mike Pence had supported that if Moscow and Kyiv do not reach an agreement, the U.S. should say, “This war is not ours.”

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is ready to work toward a solution, but warned that the process is painful and may be long-term, lowering expectations.

According to Sky News analyst Michael Clark, Putin is seeking a quick summit with the aim of escaping the “pariah” status. However, the faster such a summit occurs, the greater the pressure on Putin to agree to a ceasefire. Clark believes he will try to handle the details and date of such a meeting in a way that gives him the maximum room to continue hostilities.

Analysis by Sky News: Putin appears to be manipulating Trump — and the situation is becoming humiliating

Sky News correspondent James Mathies states in his analysis that Donald Trump is likely now realizing the challenges involved in trying to make peace with Vladimir Putin.

Trump has long emphasized the need for his personal intervention, positioning himself as the leader who could influence Putin for the benefit of all. But the reality of fruitless negotiations proves that this approach is ineffective.

A few months after Trump took office, Moscow remained uncompromising and steadfast in its view of how the conflict should end.

The balance of power before their phone call did not necessarily favor Washington. On every occasion, Putin undermined Trump’s diplomacy, ignoring calls for a ceasefire, for a meeting, and for ending bombings.

According to the UK network’s correspondent, the situation is beginning to resemble humiliation, as an American president becomes a “plaything” in Putin’s hands, who appears to skillfully portray a leader who could be isolated from allies’ efforts to bring him to a peace agreement.

Why the conversation was critical for the American president:

International media highlight that this conversation was particularly crucial for Trump, who has made ending the war in Ukraine one of the top priorities of his administration’s foreign policy.

As the BBC reports, Donald Trump has made little substantive progress. Initially, he openly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. Over the following months, Trump, who seemed unwilling to criticize the Kremlin, has shown clear discontent with President Putin. Recently, and today through his spokesperson, he announced that he is considering secondary sanctions if necessary.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials expressed optimism about today’s call. It remains unknown what Trump will do if he perceives Putin is trying to exploit or delay him. Analysts believe he may adopt a more aggressive tone and actions from the White House.

According to BBC analysis, the scenario of the U.S. withdrawing if no side shows willingness to compromise would be seen as a defeat for the American government, which has repeatedly committed to ending the bloodshed.

Putin will continue to disregard the peace process without pressure:

However, as the BBC notes, Putin remains determined to continue attacks on Ukraine without engaging in substantive peace negotiations.

So far, he has shown complete contempt for the peace process. Before the Istanbul meeting last week, he left everyone guessing until the last moment about whom he would send, ultimately sending a low-ranking delegation.

The West has given Putin no real reason to consider ceasefire. On the contrary, it seems to encourage him through friendly rhetoric and actions from Trump and the pressure the U.S. president exerts on Ukraine rather than Russia.

Regarding European allies of Ukraine, a week has already passed since the May 12 deadline set by the so-called “alliance of the willing” for a cease of Russian attacks, with the threat of harsh sanctions. The deadline has passed, and no consequences have been imposed. Therefore, questions remain about the alliance’s intentions and actual capabilities.

Putin’s confidence in capturing four Ukrainian regions:

On the other hand, Vladimir Putin reportedly entered the conversation with confidence, as he is sure his forces can breach Ukraine’s defenses and take full control of four regions by the end of 2025, according to Bloomberg. Putin refers to Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk — from which Moscow has demanded Ukraine’s withdrawal in peace talks.

Meanwhile, two other individuals close to the Kremlin indicate that the Russian president is prepared for a prolonged war to seize the territory he desires, meaning it’s unlikely he will make concessions to Trump.

How Trump might react if there is no president:

Given Russia’s resistances, many wonder what Donald Trump will do if no progress is made. In Europe, concerns exist that the American president may either impose a disastrous deal for Ukraine or abandon the peace idea altogether, along with U.S. support on the battlefield.

Earlier, Vice President Mike Pence said, “It takes two to dance the tango. I know [Trump] is willing to do it, but if Russia is unwilling, then we will ultimately say that this is not our war.”

During his second term, Trump and Pence announced they had spoken on February 12 and March 18, with a two-hour communication each time. Then, Putin had agreed to temporarily cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities, although he was accused of repeatedly breaking the agreement, and refused to support a full 30-day ceasefire Trump hoped for.

There has also been much discussion about unofficial contacts between the two leaders. The Kremlin stated in March that there might have been more contacts between Trump and Putin than the publicly announced phone calls. In his 2024 book “War,” Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward reported that Trump had up to seven direct conversations with Putin after leaving the White House in 2021. When asked by Bloomberg if this was true, Trump replied: “If I did, it was smart.” The Kremlin denied Woodward’s report. Reuters, The Washington Post, and Axios separately reported that Trump and Putin spoke in early November. The Kremlin also denied these reports.