President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine will begin “immediately,” following what he called a “very well” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But Moscow’s response tells a different story.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said: “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.”
Trump went on to say that any peace deal “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.” He also floated the Vatican as a possible location for talks, citing an offer from the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
Trump added that Putin sounded eager for “largescale TRADE” with the U.S. after the war ends. “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,” Trump wrote.
He also said he immediately briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders after the call.
But in Russia, the tone was far more cautious.
According to Russian state media, Putin called the conversation “informative and useful.” He said Moscow is open to working on a memorandum for potential future talks. RIA Novosti quoted him saying: “We are generally on the right track.” There was no mention of any agreement to begin talks “immediately.”
There was no readout of the call from the U.S. government at the time of Trump’s post.
This isn’t the first time Trump has promised progress. Since returning to office in January, he’s spoken with Putin multiple times. But so far, little has changed.
After their first call in February, Trump said both Putin and Zelensky wanted peace. He ordered U.S. officials to begin working on a deal. Another call followed in March, lasting two hours. That time, Putin reportedly agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid — but refused Trump’s push for a 30-day ceasefire.
Since then, both sides have accused each other of breaking even that limited pause.
Last week, talks in Istanbul hit a wall. Russia demanded that Ukraine remain neutral, reject reparations, and accept the loss of Crimea and other occupied areas. Kyiv called the demands unacceptable.
Sources close to the White House say Trump and his team are growing frustrated with Putin. One aide said the Russian president keeps dragging things out while Zelensky has shown more willingness to negotiate.
Vice President JD Vance spoke bluntly to reporters: “I think the president’s going to say to President Putin: ‘Look, are you serious? Are you real about this?’” He added, “It takes two to tango… if Russia is not willing to do that, then we’re eventually just going to say: ‘You know what? That was worth a try, but we’re not doing anymore.’”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump still hopes for a ceasefire, but is getting tired of both sides.
“The president and his team have put an enormous amount of effort into solving this very complicated war,” she said. But she added that Trump “has grown weary and frustrated with both sides of the conflict.”
