Russian President Putin drops peace hint with Ukraine after Donald Trump's 2-hour phone call

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine following a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Monday (May 19). Speaking near the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin said Moscow is ready to cooperate with Kyiv on drafting a memorandum for a future peace agreement.

"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 told reporters near the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Acknowledging US support for direct talks

Putin thanked Trump for backing the resumption of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which recently met face-to-face in Turkey—their first talks since March 2022. He noted that Trump recognised Russia’s willingness to pursue peace but emphasised that the key challenge remains determining the path forward.

Ceasefire discussions

Putin indicated that a potential ceasefire could be part of the peace process, contingent on agreements reached through talks. He acknowledged ongoing international calls—including from Ukraine, Europe, and the US—for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days.

If appropriate agreements are reached, then there could be a ceasefire, Putin said, adding that the direct talks “gives reason to believe that we are generally on the right track.”

Focus on root causes

Reiterating Russia’s position, Putin emphasised the importance of addressing the fundamental issues behind the crisis to secure lasting peace.

“I would like to note that, on the whole, Russia's position is clear. The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis,” he said.

“We just need to determine the most effective ways to move towards peace.”

No timeline set for ceasefire

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that although US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Ukraine, they did not set a specific timeline for a ceasefire.

"The two leaders had not discussed a timeline for a ceasefire in Ukraine," Ushakov said.

However, Trump "stressed his interest in reaching agreements quickly."

Positive outlook on bilateral relations

Ushakov said Trump spoke “quite emotionally” about the future of US-Russia relations, seeing promising prospects once the Ukrainian conflict is resolved.

"He specifically emphasized that the prospects for bilateral relations after the Ukrainian conflict is resolved look impressive," Ushakov noted.

Trump views Russia as "one of America’s most important partners in trade and economic matters."

Prisoner exchange

The two countries are negotiating the details of a prisoner exchange involving nine detainees on each side.

"We are working out details of an exchange of prisoners jailed in Russia and the United States involving nine people on each side," Ushakov said, without specifying a timeline.

Plans for a Trump-Putin Meeting

Both leaders are reportedly eager to meet in person and have assigned teams to prepare for the summit, though no venue has been agreed upon yet.

"Trump and Putin are both in favour of meeting in person and will assign their teams to work on preparing a meeting," Ushakov confirmed.

Sanctions and agreements

Regarding US sanctions on Russia, Ushakov stated that Trump is not supportive of sanctions but prefers reaching agreements, despite the Senate preparing legislation for new sanctions.

"Trump mentioned that the Senate, in principle, has a bill ready regarding new sanctions. But he himself is not a supporter of sanctions, but rather of reaching some agreements."

Warm and personal tone of the call

Ushakov highlighted the friendly nature of the conversation, with both leaders addressing each other by their first names.

"Putin congratulated Trump on the birth of his latest grandson."

“Trump said: Vladimir, you can pick up the phone at any time, I will be happy to answer, I will be happy to talk to you.”