Peace Pending

Presidents Trump and Putin had a high-stakes chat Monday night. 

Following the two-hour call—which Trump described as going “very well,”—he announced that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations. He briefed President Zelenskyy and several NATO leaders, then told reporters he believes a deal is within reach, saying he thinks “something’s going to happen.” Russia’s account of the conversation was more muted, saying only that it was ready to discuss a “possible future peace agreement” with Ukraine.

President Trump says the Vatican is “very interested” in hosting the peace talks and thinks that could be “helpful.”

Meanwhile, European leaders issued fresh sanctions on Russia, saying Putin needs to immediately accept the ceasefire proposal that’s currently on the table. The U.S. declined to join in the additional sanctioning, warning that the pressure could backfire.

Verse to consider whether you’re conducting high-level international diplomacy, stuck in the middle of a sticky situation at work, settling sibling squabbles, or just trying to get everyone to church on time… “Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help.”
Psalm 34:14-15 (CSB) (read full passage)