After a marathon two-and-a-half-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump signals movement toward peace talks, with Vatican poised to host negotiations.
Washington DC [US], May 20:
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that “some progress has been made” in the push for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, following a lengthy two-and-a-half-hour conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day.
“We just spent two and a half hours talking to Vladimir Putin, and I think some progress has been made,” Trump told reporters at a White House event. “It is a terrible situation, as 5,000 young people every single week are being killed… We are trying to get that whole thing wrapped up. What a shame it ever started in the first place.”
Trump also confirmed that discussions have been held with leaders of most European nations, signalling a coordinated international effort to facilitate negotiations aimed at ending the nearly three-year-old war.
Vatican Emerges as Possible Venue for Peace Talks
The US President revealed that the Vatican has offered to host ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, especially after recent talks in Istanbul collapsed, despite an agreement on prisoner exchanges.
“Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin negotiations,” Trump said, reinforcing his administration’s role as a key mediator in the crisis. The statement aligns with earlier remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who signalled a willingness to work toward a memorandum for peace, contingent on determining effective terms for both parties.
Ceasefire Talks Coincide with Domestic Policy Milestone
The diplomatic announcement was made during the signing ceremony for the ‘Take It Down Act’, landmark legislation that criminalizes the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, often referred to as “revenge porn.”
The law aims to combat the abuse of AI-generated deepfakes and online exploitation, particularly targeting platforms that enable the harassment and violation of privacy, especially among young users.
First Lady Melania Trump, a vocal advocate for children’s safety through her Be Best initiative, said, “This legislation is a powerful step forward in our efforts to ensure that every American, especially young people, can feel better protected… Today, I’m proud to say that the values of Be Best will be reflected in the law of the land.”
President Trump echoed those sentiments, noting the law’s timeliness given the rapid rise of AI:
“It’s my honour to officially sign the ‘Take It Down Act’ into law… With the rise of AI image generation, countless women have been harassed with deep fakes. We’re making it totally illegal.”
Looking Ahead: Trump Urges Unity in Resolving Global Conflicts
In closing, Trump struck a hopeful tone, expressing optimism that progress made with Putin may lead to a durable ceasefire — and ultimately, a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“We want peace. And I believe this is a step in the right direction. Let’s hope both sides take it seriously,” Trump said, signaling continued US engagement in what he referred to as “one of the most tragic conflicts of our time.”