Trump-Putin Phone Call: Indefinite US Promises and Russia’s Terms

Is the war between Ukraine and Russia closer to an end than ever before? On Monday (20.05.2025), Donald Trump held a phone call with Vladimir Putin lasting over two hours to initiate direct peace negotiations. Although Trump announced that Putin agreed to start ‘immediate’ direct negotiations with Ukraine for a ceasefire and broader peace agreement, the road remains long as the Russian president will only proceed under certain conditions. Trump appears to have softened his stance against Russia, withdrawing his demand for an immediate ceasefire and supporting Putin’s call for negotiations. The U.S. President expressed enthusiasm about handing over the mediation role to Pope Leo. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for both American and European representatives at appropriate levels in the negotiation process. Despite initial optimism, Trump faces complex political motives driving Russia and Ukraine, with no substantial progress reported yet.