President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to start ceasefire talks “immediately,” following his separate phone conversations with the leaders of both countries. The aim, he said, is to help bring an end to the ongoing war that has lasted over three years. Details such as when or where the talks will happen and who will take part haven’t been shared yet. Trump’s statement came just a few days after Russian and Ukrainian representatives met in Turkey, their first face-to-face talks since 2022. That meeting led to a small prisoner exchange but did not result in any break in the fighting.

Before making the calls, the White House mentioned that Trump had become increasingly impatient with both sides for failing to stop the war. Vice President JD Vance said Trump would challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, asking if he truly wants peace. If not, the US might consider stepping back from its role in trying to resolve the conflict.

Speaking after the calls, Trump said he believed Putin was open to ending the war. “The exact terms will have to be figured out by them,” Trump said in a post on social media. “Only they know the full picture of what needs to be worked out.”

He described his conversation with Putin as “very good,” and added, “If it hadn’t gone well, I’d say so right now rather than hiding it.”

Later, while talking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump pointed out that the negotiations were difficult because of the “big egos” at play.

“There are some big personalities involved, no doubt about it,” he said. “But I do believe progress is possible. If not, I’ll step aside and let them handle it themselves.”

He went on to say that the war was originally a European matter and should have stayed that way.

Trump also mentioned that he urged Putin to take action, saying, “I told him, we need to move forward—it’s time.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that he assured Trump Ukraine is fully prepared to agree to a complete and unconditional ceasefire. He also called on the global community to keep up the pressure on Russia if it continues its military actions.

“Ukraine doesn’t need convincing our team is ready to sit down and make real progress,” Zelenskyy said. “What we need now is for Russia to show the same serious intent to reach meaningful results in talks.”

(With inputs from agencies)