Donald Trump says Moscow and Kyiv will start ceasefire negotiations "immediately", after two-hour call with Putin.

During a conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to maintain pressure on Russia and continue supporting Ukraine. — Ukrinform.

“Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, shortly after we all together win the presidency, we will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled. It will be settled. The war is going to be settled. I’ll get them both. I know Zelensky, I know Putin. It’ll be done within 24 hours, you watch.”

In September 2022, Moscow claimed to have annexed the four Ukrainian regions and to this day it does not fully control them. Putin illegally annexed Crimea in 2014. Kyiv has repeatedly rejected any suggestion it would surrender the regions.

President Trump for the second time used a meeting with a major foreign leader to cater to his own base on Wednesday. This time it was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who Trump used as a

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he expected Russia to present a Ukraine ceasefire outline within days that will show if it is serious, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of buying time.

In their first public meeting since their historic Oval Office blow-up, Vice President JD Vance shook hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They then had a “good meeting” at the US ambassador to Italy’s home.

Zelensky accused the Russian side of not taking the talks seriously, and that he did not see decision-makers among their delegation, despite direct negotiations taking place at the urging of Moscow. He had earlier described the Russian delegation as "theatrical."

Donald Trump offered Vladimir Putin “large-scale trade” with the US after the war in Ukraine is over, following a two-hour phone call between the two men. Mr Trump said ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will start immediately after his “excellent” phone call with the Russian president.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday accused Russia of delaying peace talks in a bid to press on with its three-year invasion, even as US President Donald Trump pushes for an immediate ceasefire.

The Vatican has a deep history of conflict mediation, with varying degrees of success. An effort by the pope to end the war in Ukraine would face long odds.