Was the Exchange Between Putin and Trump Truly Productive?

Moscow, May 20 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized his two-hour phone discussion with former US President Donald Trump as both substantive and productive, igniting new hopes for a potential breakthrough in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The conversation aimed at reviving stalled peace talks signifies a notable diplomatic step forward in the three-year war.

"This conversation was indeed held and lasted over two hours. I want to stress that it was both substantive and quite candid. Overall, I believe it was a highly productive exchange," Putin informed the press post-discussion.

The dialogue comes at a time when the United States is intensifying its efforts to broker direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.

While a high-level meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was anticipated in Turkey last week, Putin was absent, as was Trump, who was touring West Asia.

Putin expressed appreciation to Trump for the US's role in rekindling direct discussions between Russia and Ukraine.

"The President of the United States shared his views on halting hostilities and the possibilities for a ceasefire. I reiterated that Russia also supports a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. Now, we must identify effective strategies for achieving peace," he remarked.

Additionally, both leaders agreed that Russia would initiate discussions with Ukraine regarding a memorandum for a prospective peace agreement.

"This would encompass various provisions, including the principles for settlement, potential timelines for a peace deal, and matters related to a temporary ceasefire, contingent upon reaching necessary agreements," Putin highlighted.

Contact has resumed among participants of the Istanbul discussions, raising some optimism that "we are generally on the right path," he noted.

Putin reiterated Russia's position, stating that "addressing the root causes of this crisis is paramount for us."

Describing the call as highly constructive, he stressed the necessity for both sides to demonstrate a strong commitment to peace and compromise.

"The central issue now is for the Russian and Ukrainian sides to exhibit their steadfast commitment to peace and to forge a compromise acceptable to all parties," he stated.

Trump, on his social media platform Truth Social, confirmed the call's details, stating that ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would commence immediately and that the Vatican offered to host the dialogue.

"I just concluded my two-hour conversation with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went exceptionally well. Russia and Ukraine will begin negotiations toward a ceasefire immediately and, even more importantly, an END to the War," Trump wrote.

He also communicated the call's outcomes to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and various European leaders separately.