President Donald Trump gave an up-beat readout of his Monday call with Vladimir Putin about ending the brutal war in Ukraine – even urging Russia and Ukraine to use the Pope as a mediator.
Trump said his call with Putin went 'very well' – but neither leader announced a breakthrough toward a ceasefire that would pause the gruesome conflict.
Instead, Trump said Russia and Ukraine would negotiate directly between themselves since they 'know the details' – in talks Trump suggested could be hosted at the Vatican by the new Pope Leo.
He also dangled potential 'large scale' trade between the U.S. and Russia, an inducement he has floated throughout his efforts to bring the war to a conclusion. The U.S. slapped a barrage of sanctions on Moscow after its 2022 invasion of its neighbor. Ukraine, Trump said, could also be a 'beneficiary' as it seeks to rebuild its war-ravaged country, a possible reference to the minerals deal inked between Washington and Kiev.
He said negotiations 'will begin immediately' – days after teams of Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Turkey.
