President Donald Trump announced Monday that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin “immediately.”
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump shared details of a two-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the exchange as having gone “very well.”
“I think it’s a place that both sides would be comfortable going,” Trump said, referencing a possible venue for the talks.
He stated that both nations would begin discussions aimed at reaching a ceasefire and ultimately securing 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. The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn’t, I would say so now, rather than later,” Trump wrote.
Trump also mentioned that Putin had shown interest in establishing “largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic ‘bloodbath’ is over.”
“There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth,” he added. “Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country.”
Trump noted that the Vatican had agreed to host the negotiation talks.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that sentiment during remarks on Saturday, suggesting the Vatican as a neutral ground for the talks.
“I think it’s a place that both sides would be comfortable going,” Rubio said. “So we’ll talk about all of that and obviously always grateful to the Vatican for their willingness to play this constructive and positive role.”
The Vatican has not yet responded to requests for comment.
