Trump proposes Vatican as venue for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine

US President Donald Trump on Monday proposed the Vatican as a possible venue for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, saying it would give the negotiations added significance. Speaking after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said, “It would be great” if the two sides could meet in such a symbolic and neutral location.

Trump also said he asked Putin directly, “When are we going to end this, Vladimir?” during their two-hour telephonic conversation focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader US-Russia relations.

What Did Putin Say?

Following the conversation, Putin said Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum for a potential peace agreement. He added that any progress would depend on agreeing to terms for a ceasefire, including its duration. However, no specific timeline for a ceasefire was set during the call.

"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, defining a number of positions, such as, for example, the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement," Putin said.

Zelenskyy's Reaction

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he had two separate conversations with Trump on the same day, first privately, and later alongside several European leaders. In a tweet, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire and is open to direct talks with Russia.

Zelenskyy said possible venues for negotiations include Trkiye, Switzerland, and the Vatican. “Ukraine has always been ready for peace,” he said. “What’s needed is a mirrored readiness from Russia.”

He warned that if Russia continues its aggression or delays talks with unrealistic demands, stronger international sanctions should follow.

“Russia must end the war it started, and it can begin doing so any day. Ukraine has always been ready for peace,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

The Vatican has previously offered to mediate in the war but has not hosted any formal negotiations. The war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has caused massive destruction, a humanitarian crisis, and strained international relations.