According to reports from Reuters, there are early signs of renewed diplomatic efforts among high-level circles to resolve the conflict in Ukraine
Sources indicate that on Monday, May 19, current U.S. President Donald Trump began a telephone conversation with Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin. This conversation, which has not yet received official confirmation from either side, is focused on exploring ways to end the bloody war that has been ongoing on Ukrainian territory for several months. It is known that the negotiations started at the usual time — 10:00 a.m. Kyiv time (5:00 p.m. Washington), and they are taking place behind closed doors with no public statements regarding the details of the discussion. Against the backdrop of increasing tension and international diplomatic efforts, this initiative has already been seen as an important step toward finding a compromise. Kremlin sources confirmed that the conversation has been scheduled and preparations for it are complete, while Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, stated that the consultation would be conducted in the format of a phone call. In Washington, citing words from U.S. Special Envoy Steven Vitoff, it is emphasized that this conversation could become "very successful" and might open new opportunities for achieving peace. At the same time, diplomatic circles remain cautious: information about the subject matter of the negotiations is currently limited to general messages, and despite optimistic forecasts, it is quite clear that establishing a genuine dialogue will require further efforts from all participants. The background of this diplomatic step is linked to Trump’s known initiative — currently either the sitting or former U.S. leader (depending on developments) — to personally discuss with Putin the possibility of ending the armed conflict in Ukraine, as well as to support the efforts of other northern partners and NATO allies, who have long sought de-escalation in the region. At the same time, this news has become one of the most prominent in the global political landscape, as the potential establishment of direct dialogue between Washington and Moscow could significantly change the situation on the frontlines and in diplomatic negotiations. The situation remains tense, and the international community follows the developments closely, hoping for a positive outcome from this historic meeting in the form of improved conditions and the reaching of a peace agreement based on compromises. Given the ongoing processes, many analysts express hope that these negotiations will be the first step toward stability and lasting peace in the region, although they acknowledge that the path to this is difficult and requires patience and diplomatic finesse from both sides.