Putin-Trump Call Ignites Ukraine Peace Hopes

Putin and Trump Speak: Hopes for Ukraine Ceasefire Rise After High-Stakes Call On May 21, 2025, a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump sparked renewed hope for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The call, lasting over two hours, is seen as particularly significant given its timing and the context of previous peace talks in Istanbul. The discussion reportedly included potential compromises and the possibility of a ceasefire, a development that has been met with cautious optimism by international observers. Antoine Cleraux, a reporter for RT en Français, stated, "This call is an event in itself. There have been two other calls this year between the two men." He further detailed that the call followed an exchange of prisoners of war, adding to the sense of potential progress. However, the US, as voiced by Vice President JD Vance, remains wary. Vance stated, "The United States does not want to go around in circles in this matter. We want to see results." This reflects the US's continued demand for concrete steps towards a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, emphasized the importance of diplomatic solutions. He stated, "It would be preferable to achieve our objectives through the political and diplomatic route." This highlights Russia's stated preference for a negotiated settlement, although the conditions for a ceasefire remain a point of contention. While the conversation offers a glimmer of hope, the path to peace remains complex and uncertain. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether this phone call represents a genuine turning point in the conflict.