Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine after a telephone call with the US President Donald Trump on Monday (May 19). Putin, who spoke near the Black Sea resort in Sochi, said Moscow was ready to cooperate with Kiev to prepare a memorandum for the future peace agreement.
“We agreed with the President of the United States to propose Russia and ready to work with the Ukrainian party on a memorandum on a possible future peace agreement, defining a number of positions, such as the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement,” Putin said near the Black Sea Uzort Sochi.
Recognition of support for US direct conversations
Putin thanked Trump for his support for the restoration of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which recently met in Turkey in the face-up of the first interviews since March 2022. He noted that Trump recognized Russia’s willingness to pursue peace, but stressed that the key challenge remains a determining way forward.
A truce discussion
Putin indicated that a potential ceasefire could be part of the peace process, depending on the agreements achieved by interviews. He acknowledged ongoing international calls – including Ukraine, Europe and the US – for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days.
If appropriate agreements are achieved, then a ceasefire could occur, Putin said, adding that direct conversations “gives a reason to believe that we are generally on the right path”.
Focus on the root causes
Putin repeated the Russian position and emphasized the importance of solving the basic questions for the crisis to ensure permanent peace.
“I would like to note that overall the Russian position is clear. The main thing for us is to remove the main causes of this crisis,” he said.
“We just have to determine the most effective ways to move to peace.”
No set timeline for a ceasefire
Kremlin foreign policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov told journalists that although US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were discussing Ukraine, they did not set a specific timeline for the ceasefire.
“Both leaders did not discuss the timeline for a ceasefire in Ukraine,” Ushakov said.
However, Trump “emphasized his interest quickly to reach agreements.”
A positive view of bilateral relationships
Ushakov said Trump spoke “quite emotionally” about the future of relations between the US and Russia and saw promising prospects as soon as the Ukrainian conflict was resolved.
“Specifically, he stressed that the prospects of bilateral relations after the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict look impressive,” Ushakov said.
Trump considers Russia to be “one of the most important US partners in business and economic affairs”.
Prisoner exchange
Both countries negotiate details of the exchange of prisoners involving nine detainees on each side.
“We will develop details of the exchange of prisoners trapped in Russia and the United States involved nine people on each side,” Ushakov said without setting the timeline.
Plans to meet Trump-Putin
Both leaders are supposed to meet personally and assigned teams to prepare for the summit, although no place has been agreed yet.
“Both Trump and Putin are for the meeting personally and assign their teams to work to prepare a meeting,” Ushakov confirmed.
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Sanctions and agreements
As regards US sanctions against Russia, Ushakov said that Trump does not support sanctions, but prefers to achieve agreements, although the Senate is preparing legal regulations for new sanctions.
“Trump mentioned that the Senate has in principle prepared a bill for new sanctions. He himself is not a supporter of sanctions, but rather to achieve some agreements.”
A warm and personal tone of a call
Ushakov emphasized the friendly nature of the interview, and both leaders approached each other with their first names.
“Putin congratulated Trump to the birth of his last grandson.”
“Trump said: Vladimir, you can pick up your phone anytime, I’d like to answer, I will be happy to talk to you.”
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