Photo Credit: Getty Images
In a significant diplomatic development, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to begin immediate negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The agreement emerged from what Trump described as a "lengthy and highly productive" 90-minute phone call between the two leaders.
"It is time to stop this ridiculous War, where there has been massive, and totally unnecessary, DEATH and DESTRUCTION," Trump posted on Truth Social, emphasizing his commitment to ending Europe's deadliest land conflict since World War II. The American delegation to the peace talks will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and national security adviser Mike Waltz.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed having "a meaningful conversation" with Trump following the Putin call. "No one wants peace more than Ukraine," Zelensky stated on Facebook. "Together with the U.S., we are charting our next steps to stop Russian aggression and ensure a lasting, reliable peace."
The negotiations come amid significant policy shifts from the Trump administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that Ukraine's NATO membership is unlikely, a stance Trump later supported. This development represents a major setback for Kyiv, which has long sought NATO protection against Russian aggression.
The diplomatic breakthrough includes plans for high-level meetings. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio will lead the U.S. delegation at a defense summit in Munich on Friday. Trump also revealed potential face-to-face meetings with Putin, stating, "We'll meet in Saudi Arabia," though no specific date was set.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Putin's support for the peace initiative, noting that the Russian president extended an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow. However, territorial disputes remain contentious, with Peskov firmly rejecting Zelensky's suggestion of land swaps involving Russia's Kursk region.
The UK government has reiterated its support for Ukraine, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasizing London's "steadfast" commitment to Kyiv's defense.
