Trump: Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin negotiations towards a ceasefire

US President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine will "immediately begin negotiations towards a ceasefire", following his phone call with Vladimir Putin.

It is not clear how this differs from negotiations that already began in Turkey on Friday, between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, the Telegraph reports.

"The Vatican, represented by the Pope, has stated that they would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin," Trump added on Truth Social, in a much more optimistic tone than that of Vladimir Putin.

He said the call "went very well, the tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent."

Read too Trump-Putin phone call ends after two hours

Speaking further about the negotiations, Trump said: "The terms for this will be negotiated between the two sides, as can only be because they know the details of a negotiation that no one else would be aware of."

Trump said Russia wants to participate in "large-scale trade" after the war is over.

"There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create vast amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is limitless. Likewise, Ukraine could be a great beneficiary in trade, in the process of rebuilding its country," the US president added. /Telegraph/