Trump Expresses Optimism Following Calls With Putin, Zelensky on Prospects for Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

President Donald Trump said Monday he is optimistic that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine could soon move forward, following separate phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, as per Fox News.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump expressed confidence in Putin’s willingness to pursue a diplomatic resolution.

“I do,” Trump said when asked whether he believes Putin wants peace. When pressed on whether he still trusts the Russian leader, Trump replied, “I do.”

Later in the day, during a White House ceremony honoring law enforcement officers, Trump added that he believes Putin has grown weary of the conflict, which began more than three years ago.

“I think he’s had enough. It’s been a long time,” Trump said.

Trump was more reserved when asked about his assessment of Zelensky’s role in the peace efforts.

“I’d rather tell you in about two weeks from now, because I can’t say yes or no,” Trump said, noting that while Zelensky is “a strong person” and “not the easiest to deal with,” he believes the Ukrainian leader also wants to end the war. “I hope the answer is that he wants to get it solved,” Trump added.

The president said the details of any potential peace deal must be negotiated directly between the two countries, emphasizing that only Russian and Ukrainian officials understand the intricacies necessary to reach an agreement.

According to both parties, Monday’s call between Trump and Putin lasted roughly two hours and was described as constructive. Trump called the conversation “very good” and later posted on social media that Russia and Ukraine would begin immediate negotiations toward a ceasefire and “an end to the war.”

The Kremlin also issued a brief statement describing the discussion as “frank” and “useful.”

Putin stated that “a ceasefire with Ukraine is possible” and reiterated that compromises must be found that meet the interests of both nations. Trump floated the idea of holding future peace talks at the Vatican, citing the potential for religious and diplomatic influence to help reduce tensions.

“There’s tremendous bitterness, anger, and I think maybe that could help some of that anger,” Trump said, referring to newly inaugurated Pope Leo XIV’s expressed interest in playing a role in peace efforts.

In addition to his calls with Putin and Zelensky, Trump has been in contact with other world leaders, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders reportedly expressed support for renewed peace efforts and stressed the need for a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, recent negotiations in Turkey between Russian and Ukrainian representatives did not yield immediate results. Trump suggested that more progress could be made following direct discussions between himself and Putin.