Overview

• Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held a two-hour phone call, agreeing to launch ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican.
• Putin expressed Moscow's willingness to draft a 'Memorandum' for peace talks, but key issues like territorial disputes remain unresolved.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj firmly rejected any preconditions involving troop withdrawals from annexed territories.
• European Union ministers are finalizing a 17th sanctions package to maintain pressure on Russia if talks falter.
• Criticism emerged from European allies over perceived insufficient pressure from Trump on Putin to make concessions.