For Trump, Russia's economic potential is limitless

Donald Trump emphasised that the "tone and spirit" of Monday's phone conversation with Putin were "excellent"

"Russia wants to trade on a large scale with the United States when this catastrophic bloodbath is over and I agree," he declared.

"Russia can create a lot of jobs and wealth. Its potential is limitless," he stressed. As for Ukraine, "it can also benefit from trade during the country's reconstruction".

Mr Trump explained that he had already informed Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb during a call that immediately followed the one with Mr Putin.

"The Vatican, represented by the Pope, has said it wishes to host negotiations. Let the process begin," concluded Mr Trump.

(MH with AnVa - Source: Agency - Photo: © DPA - Consolidated News Photos - Samuel Corum - Pool via CNP)