CV NEWS FEED // President Donald Trump announced Monday that Pope Leo XIV has offered to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican.
Trump made the announcement after a two-hour call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. “I believe it went very well,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War… The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin!”
Donald Trump Truth Social 05.19.25 01:33 PM EST
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 19, 2025
Just completed my two hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War. The…
Putin confirmed the initiative to reporters Monday, crediting Trump for reviving the stalled peace process.
“We have agreed with the president of the United States that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace accord,” said Putin. He added that the document would outline key “principles of settlement” and a possible timeline for resolution.
Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly called on both sides to pursue diplomacy and emphasized the economic opportunities that could follow a ceasefire.
“Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic ‘bloodbath’ is over, and I agree,” Trump said in Monday’s post. “There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country.”
While the White House has not released official details of the call, Vice President JD Vance told reporters Monday that he spoke with Trump beforehand and said the president intended to tell Putin there would be significant economic benefits to restoring ties with the international community.
According to Vance, Trump also planned to confront Putin over the deaths of innocent civilians and make clear: “If you’re willing to stop the killing, the United States is willing to be a partner for peace.”
As President Trump speaks via phone call with Russian President Putin on negotiating peace with Ukraine, JD Vance says it’s time for action.
— DeVory Darkins (@devorydarkins) May 19, 2025
”The President has been very clear this is not, the United States is not gonna spin its wheels here. We want to see outcomes. The talks… pic.twitter.com/cQVaUq6y68
Following the call, Trump briefed several European leaders of the renewed negotiations, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
The renewed diplomacy comes amid strengthened ties between the US and Ukraine. Last month, the two countries finalized a major mineral agreement, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as a strategic commitment to Ukraine’s long-term stability.
“This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,” Bessent said.
Both Trump and Vance have met personally with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV publicly called for a “just and lasting peace as soon as possible” for the “beloved Ukrainian people.” Last week, he welcomed Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in a meeting marked by prayer and solidarity. He also spoke by phone with Zelenskyy, who described the conversation as “very warm and truly substantive.”