WASHINGTON (Agencies): President Donald Trump announced that negotiations to end the Ukraine war will commence “immediately” following a “lengthy and highly productive” telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday morning. This call marks the first known conversation between the two presidents since Trump assumed office last month.
During the call, Trump emphasized his desire to bring the Ukraine conflict to a swift conclusion. Administration officials expressed hope that a recent prisoner exchange could signal renewed efforts to end the war, which is about to enter its fourth year.
In a readout of the conversation posted on Truth Social, Trump stated, “We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects.” He added, “We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now.”
Both Washington and Moscow described the tone of the call as conciliatory. Trump mentioned that Putin used his campaign motto of “COMMON SENSE,” reflecting a shared belief in practical solutions.
The Kremlin confirmed that the call lasted nearly 90 minutes. Trump had been signaling his intention to speak with Putin for weeks as part of his strategy to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
As American officials travel in Europe, they have begun outlining potential conclusions to the Ukraine war. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Kyiv joining NATO is unrealistic and that the US will shift its focus to securing US borders and deterring war with China.
Trump also mentioned the possibility of striking a deal with Ukraine’s President Zelensky for American access to the country’s valuable rare earth minerals in exchange for continued American assistance.
The release of wrongfully detained American Marc Fogel was seen as a positive sign for future negotiations. Steve Witkoff, one of Trump’s top negotiators, highlighted Fogel’s release as an indication of the potential for improved relations between the US and Russia.
While the development of negotiations is still in its early stages, Trump’s announcement signals a significant shift in US policy towards Ukraine.