Washington D.C., May 20, 2025; ANB ;In a surprise announcement today, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to begin immediate and direct negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and potentially ending the ongoing war.
Speaking from the White House, President Trump stated, “After weeks of behind-the-scenes diplomacy, I’m pleased to announce that both Russia and Ukraine have agreed to sit down for direct talks — starting immediately — to negotiate a ceasefire and work toward a permanent resolution to this conflict.”
The President emphasized the United States' role in facilitating the dialogue, calling it a "historic step" and noting that the talks are expected to take place at a neutral location, with observers from the UN and several European nations.
Details about the negotiating parties, agenda, and location have not yet been made public.
The war, now in its third year, has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and widespread destruction across Ukraine. While there have been previous attempts at peace, none have led to sustained de-escalation. This new development raises cautious hopes for a turning point.
International reactions are beginning to pour in, with NATO and EU officials expressing support for the peace initiative, urging all parties to commit to the process in good faith. ANB