On May 19, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would immediately begin negotiations on a ceasefire and a full end to the conflict following his two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said this in a statement published on the Truth Social platform and cited by Reuters. He called the conversation "very productive," stressing that the tone and spirit of the conversation were "excellent." According to Trump, the terms of the ceasefire will be discussed directly between Moscow and Kiev, since "only they know the details."

The conversation, which began at 17:00 Moscow time, was a key event in Trump's efforts to resolve the conflict, which he has previously called a "bloodbath." According to White House press secretary Caroline Levitt, the leaders discussed a 30-day ceasefire, trade issues, and the safety of shipping in the Black Sea. Trump expressed confidence that ending the conflict would open up opportunities for economic growth for Russia and Ukraine.

"Russia wants large-scale trade with the US, its potential is unlimited. Ukraine can also benefit by rebuilding the country," - he declared.

Trump said that he had notified Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb of the start of the talks. He also noted that the Vatican, represented by Pope Francis, had expressed its readiness to become a platform for the talks.

"Let the process begin!" — Trump concluded his statement.