This may be, as someone once said, a "big freaking deal." On Monday, President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social account to give the American people an update on his conversation with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, and his tone was very optimistic. Could this call have set the stage for an end to the Russo-Ukraine war?
MAJOR NEWS FROM PRESIDENT @realDonaldTrump:
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) May 19, 2025
"Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War." pic.twitter.com/8msSPrjBdE
President Trump reports:
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 conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of. The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn’t, I would say so now, rather than later. Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic “bloodbath” is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth.
Russia does have a considerable trove of natural resources. They also have a declining population. Could this combination result in Western investment in Tsar Vladimir I's Russia, along with the generally improved relations that come when two peoples are making money together? It's a little soon to speculate about anything like this, but it's certainly possible. We already have a minerals deal with Ukraine in the works - and we might note that President Trump has notified other European leaders of the meeting, and the Vatican may be hosting the talks? That's an interesting twist indeed.
Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately. I have so informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of Italy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, of Germany, and President Alexander Stubb, of Finland, during a call with me, immediately after the call with President Putin. The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin!
We're still a long way from any peace deal. Russia is still making drone strikes on Ukrainian territory, and Ukraine is responding in kind. No matter how this thing ends, there will be resentments and ill feelings that last for generations. But then, Europe's history has been filled with resentments and ill feelings that last for generations, and somehow the continent has always dealt with them. But there are a lot of people in Europe who just want to see the killing end, and while this call between President Trump and Tsar Vladimir I won't end it, it may kick-start the process. As Sir Winston said, it's not the end; it's not even the beginning of the end. But it may be the end of the beginning.
See Also: SecState Rubio Says US Role Is Changing As Part of Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Process
As far as the end result of these negotiations, I stand by my earlier prediction: Ukraine won't get the Crimea back. I still think that will be Russia's main sticking point.
The Deep State is working overtime to subvert President Trump's agenda and the will of the people.
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