WASHINGTON – On a pivotal Monday, President Donald Trump engaged in a much-anticipated phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Describing the interaction as having gone “very well,” Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine are set to begin ceasefire negotiations immediately.

This high-stakes call, lasting two hours, left Trump optimistic. He remarked on social media, calling it “excellent,” and revealing Russia’s interest in boosting trade relations with the United States once the war concludes. He painted a picture of a boundless commercial landscape, envisioning Ukraine as a significant beneficiary in its path to reconstruction. Imagine the potential: “unlimited,” he mused.

What, one might wonder, makes these conversations so vital? The answer lies within the intricate web of international diplomacy. Trump stated, “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.” The nuances of these negotiations, he emphasized, can only be delineated by those involved, given their unique understanding of the context.

The Pope, speaking for the Vatican, expressed interest in hosting these negotiations: “Let the process begin!” Trump added.

Not one to keep others in the dark, Trump promptly briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside other European dignitaries. His transparency points to an earnest commitment to multilateral diplomacy.

Across the globe, in Sochi, Russia, Putin echoed Trump’s sentiments during a press briefing. He characterized the discussion as “frank and substantive,” noting Trump’s acknowledgment of Russia’s strides towards a peaceful solution in Ukraine. Putin shared, “The US president emphasized his stance on the ceasefire and how Russia is committed to resolving the crisis peacefully.”

Putin suggested a potential truce could unfold once essential agreements are brokered, highlighting the need for mutually agreeable compromises between the two nations. This begs the question: Are both sides ready to make the concessions necessary for peace?

As Putin explained, “We have agreed with the US president that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum outlining a possible future peace treaty. This includes principles of settlement and the timeframe for an agreement, possibly involving an initial ceasefire.”

These developments, though promising, remind one of Aesop’s tale where “the small but constant drips of water wear away the stone.” Can consistent diplomatic efforts carve a path to peace that has been elusive for so long?