President Donald Trump has confirmed separate phone discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, encouraging immediate peace negotiations to end the conflict.
On Wednesday, Trump and Putin talked on the phone and agreed to initiate discussions aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine, marking a significant shift in relations that might sideline Kyiv.
Trump posted on Truth Social about the call, describing it as “lengthy and highly productive.” He mentioned that both leaders even planned to visit each other’s countries to tackle the ongoing tensions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Kremlin reported that the call lasted nearly 90 minutes, and both Putin and Trump concurred that it was time to collaborate, with a lasting solution to the Ukraine war within reach.
President Donald Trump has confirmed separate phone discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, encouraging immediate peace negotiations to end the conflict.
On Wednesday, Trump and Putin talked on the phone and agreed to initiate discussions aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine, marking a significant shift in relations that might sideline Kyiv.
Trump posted on Truth Social about the call, describing it as “lengthy and highly productive.” He mentioned that both leaders even planned to visit each other’s countries to tackle the ongoing tensions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Kremlin reported that the call lasted nearly 90 minutes, and both Putin and Trump concurred that it was time to collaborate, with a lasting solution to the Ukraine war within reach.
Trump expressed his commitment to halting the war in a statement, highlighting their mutual desire to end the conflict that has led to numerous casualties. He announced plans for close cooperation, including reciprocal visits, and for their respective teams to start negotiations right away.
Having promised to end the Ukraine war before taking office, Trump has been advocating for peace, though he had previously kept quiet about any contact with Putin. In a move that suggests Ukraine could find its fate influenced by Washington and Moscow, Trump said they would begin by informing President Zelensky about the conversation.
The Ukrainian presidency later confirmed a call between Zelensky and Trump. Zelensky has been striving to maintain US support while also pursuing peace with Russia.
Earlier signs of easing tensions emerged this week with a prisoner exchange deal, which saw Moscow release American teacher Marc Fogel, while Washington freed Russian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Alexander Vinnik.
In his Truth Social post, Trump praised Putin, noting that the Russian leader even adopted his campaign motto, “COMMON SENSE.” The Kremlin’s response was more subdued, acknowledging discussions about a long-term settlement through peace talks.
Trump Supports Ending Hostilities
Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Trump supported ending hostilities quickly and resolving the issue peacefully, while Putin emphasized the need to address the conflict’s root causes.
Trump mentioned appointing Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the negotiations, expressing confidence in their success.
Zelensky recently suggested the possibility of exchanging occupied territories, but Russia rejected the proposal and launched a new wave of drones and missiles on Kyiv shortly after.
Zelensky is scheduled to meet US Vice President JD Vance on Friday during the Munich Security Conference, where he hopes to secure an economic agreement with the United States.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth outlined Trump’s stance to Washington’s allies, emphasizing that trying to restore Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic and would continue the conflict. He also mentioned that while security guarantees for Ukraine are necessary, NATO membership isn’t feasible.
Trump expressed his commitment to halting the war in a statement, highlighting their mutual desire to end the conflict that has led to numerous casualties. He announced plans for close cooperation, including reciprocal visits, and for their respective teams to start negotiations right away.
American Teacher Released
Having promised to end the Ukraine war before taking office, Trump has been advocating for peace, though he had previously kept quiet about any contact with Putin. In a move that suggests Ukraine could find its fate influenced by Washington and Moscow, Trump said they would begin by informing President Zelensky about the conversation.
The Ukrainian presidency later confirmed a call between Zelensky and Trump. Zelensky has been striving to maintain US support while also pursuing peace with Russia.
Earlier signs of easing tensions emerged this week with a prisoner exchange deal, which saw Moscow release American teacher Marc Fogel, while Washington freed Russian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Alexander Vinnik.
In his Truth Social post, Trump praised Putin, noting that the Russian leader even adopted his campaign motto, “COMMON SENSE.” The Kremlin’s response was more subdued, acknowledging discussions about a long-term settlement through peace talks.
Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Trump supported ending hostilities quickly and resolving the issue peacefully, while Putin emphasized the need to address the conflict’s root causes.
Trump mentioned appointing Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the negotiations, expressing confidence in their success.
Zelensky recently suggested the possibility of exchanging occupied territories, but Russia rejected the proposal and launched a new wave of drones and missiles on Kyiv shortly after.
Zelensky is scheduled to meet US Vice President JD Vance on Friday during the Munich Security Conference, where he hopes to secure an economic agreement with the United States.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth outlined Trump’s stance to Washington’s allies, emphasizing that trying to restore Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic and would continue the conflict. He also mentioned that while security guarantees for Ukraine are necessary, NATO membership isn’t feasible.
