The next round of Ukraine–Russia talks will take place in mid-June at the Vatican – WSJ

A new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia is scheduled for mid-June on the territory of the Vatican.

U.S. President Donald Trump has informed European leaders that he will send Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Keith Kellogg to participate.

This was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing a conversation between Trump and European officials following his two-hour discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump told European leaders that “Putin is not ready to end the war because he believes he is winning.” Earlier, Bloomberg cited a different remark, stating that Trump himself was convinced of Russia’s impending victory.

Some European leaders insisted that any talks in the Vatican must result in an unconditional ceasefire. However, Trump objected again, stating that he does not like the term “unconditional.” He said he “never used it.” Eventually, the Europeans agreed to drop the adjective.

At the same time, European officials expressed skepticism that the Trump administration would halt the export of American weapons “as long as Europe or Ukraine are paying for them.”

Earlier, Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that “technical” ceasefire talks regarding Ukraine could take place at the Vatican next week.