In a recent phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, significant questions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine arose as Trump did not insist on an immediate halt to Russian aggression as a prerequisite for peace negotiations. Following the conversation, the Kremlin forecasted a prolonged and challenging negotiation process, indicating that Moscow intends to persist in its military actions until Ukraine complies with its demands.
Despite Trump’s repeated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, during the phone call, Putin introduced an additional layer of complexity by proposing that both sides prepare a “memorandum” detailing the conditions for any potential peace treaty. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed the press that there is no established timeline for these negotiations, stating, “The devil is in the details.” He elaborated that both Russia and Ukraine would draft their own proposals, leading to intricate discussions aimed at formulating a unified agreement.
After Trump’s third conversation with Putin since taking office, a clear pattern emerged. U.S. expectations for Putin to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace have been met with Moscow's insistence that the complexities involved in reaching a broader peace agreement preclude an immediate ceasefire. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that no deadline for a ceasefire was discussed, despite Trump expressing a desire for it to happen as soon as possible. Russia has imposed stringent conditions for any ceasefire, demanding that Ukraine cease military recruitment and reject Western arms assistance—a stance that Ukraine finds unacceptable as it would enable Russia to rearm and prepare for further assaults.
In Kyiv, the outcome of the phone call has dampened expectations that the United States would collaborate with European nations to compel Russia into a ceasefire. Mykhailo Podolyak, an aide to the Ukrainian president, remarked that the call “unfortunately did not change the status quo.” He expressed that both Europe and Ukraine desire an immediate ceasefire, while the U.S. appears to hold onto the belief that Russia might agree to one for its business interests. Podolyak emphasized that Russia’s continuation of hostilities is essential for its current regime's survival.
Peskov reiterated Russia's longstanding stance that the conflict should be resolved by addressing its “root causes,” which effectively translates to undermining Ukrainian sovereignty and establishing a pro-Russian government. Trump’s suggestion that Russia and Ukraine should independently negotiate a ceasefire raises concerns about the minimal U.S. involvement in the process, casting doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement before year-end. Analysts suggest that Putin is convinced of Russia's military advantage and anticipates further territorial gains as summer combat operations continue.
Following a subsequent discussion between Trump and European leaders, it became apparent that Trump may be reluctant to increase pressure on Putin and could potentially reduce U.S. involvement in mediation efforts. Just a week prior, European leaders had threatened Russia with significant sanctions if it did not agree to an immediate ceasefire. However, the tone shifted after Monday’s call, leaving European leaders expressing frustration yet appearing more cautious in their approach. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted, “Vladimir Putin is obviously continuing to play for time,” indicating that while Russia is open to discussing a memorandum, there is still “no sign” of a ceasefire.
One unexpected development from the discussions was the potential for the Vatican to take on a mediatory role in future negotiations. An Italian official revealed that U.S. representatives, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussed the prospect of deeper Vatican involvement during their recent visit to Rome. The Vatican is viewed as a neutral entity capable of facilitating peace talks, with a history of mediating discussions in various international conflicts. Pope Leo XIV, who has described the war in Ukraine as an “imperial invasion,” has shown support for Ukraine and the need for a just and lasting peace.
In Russia, the response to the phone call suggests that Trump is steering U.S. relations closer to Russia, viewing it as a crucial trading partner. Ushakov noted that Trump expressed a desire for respectful and mutually beneficial relations with Russia, emphasizing its significance in the global arena. Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of Russia’s Federation Council, remarked that the conversation indicated the formation of two negotiating groups: one focusing on peace prospects between Russia and the U.S., and the other considering the continuation of the conflict between Ukraine and Europe.
As the situation evolves, the international community remains watchful, awaiting responses from both the U.S. and European leaders regarding further actions in the face of ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.
