In a dramatic diplomatic move Monday, President Donald Trump held a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he described as “very well,” resulting in a breakthrough announcement: Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin negotiations toward a ceasefire—and possibly the end of the war altogether.
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote:
“Just finished a long and very productive call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. The tone and spirit of the call were EXCELLENT. 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 details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of. Let the process begin!”
Where Biden Failed, Trump Stepped In
Let’s be clear: this is what leadership looks like. For over three years, the Biden administration and European leaders watched as Ukraine burned and peace talks stalled. Now, it’s Trump—mocked, maligned, and dismissed by the same global elites—who’s the one putting the pieces back on the table.
Despite a White House that spent years avoiding direct engagement, Trump didn’t hesitate. His call with Putin went around the establishment, bypassing years of red tape and finger-pointing. Within hours, he had informed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, the European Commission, and even invited the Vatican—under Pope Leo XIV—to host talks.
Kremlin Open to Ceasefire, But Obstacles Remain
Putin described the conversation as “frank” and “useful,” and acknowledged that a ceasefire is “possible,” though it would depend on “compromises that suit both sides.” The key sticking points remain: the Russian delegation previously demanded recognition of the illegal annexation of four Ukrainian regions—Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia—and a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces.
Unsurprisingly, Ukraine called those demands “unacceptable” last week during failed negotiations in Turkey. But with Trump now in the middle, even those hardened positions may begin to shift.
Europe’s Reaction? Silence, So Far
According to Trump, he notified multiple world leaders immediately after the call, including:
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
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French President Emmanuel Macron
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
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Italian PM Giorgia Meloni
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Finnish President Alexander Stubb
None have issued a public response. Their silence is telling. For years they paraded around summits making speeches about peace—but now that Trump is leading the effort, they’re either stunned, stalling, or scrambling to recalibrate.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV posted to X that the Holy See “is willing to help enemies meet” and called on leaders to “meet; dialogue; negotiate.” The Vatican’s involvement could add legitimacy to a peace process that desperately needs it.
Global Stakes—and the Return of the Deal Maker
This moment is bigger than partisan politics. Trump’s critics once sneered at his summit with Kim Jong-un, laughed at his blunt style, and derided his calls with world leaders. But now it’s clear: the same straight-talking, high-pressure tactics that built his business empire and shook up Washington might also deliver what diplomacy-by-committee couldn’t—an actual end to the bloodshed.
In fact, Trump even teased future economic benefits that could come from peace:
“Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic ‘bloodbath’ is over, and I agree.”
What Comes Next?
We’re still in early stages, but one thing is certain: Trump has reentered the global stage, not as a bystander, but as a broker for peace. Biden didn’t get us here. NATO didn’t get us here. Trump did.
The coming days will reveal if Russia and Ukraine are serious about negotiation—or if this will become another round of geopolitical showmanship. But for now, it’s Trump who has the initiative. It’s Trump who has the attention of both Moscow and Kyiv.
And it’s Trump who may just do what they all said was impossible.
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JIMMY
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