U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the war in Ukraine, Middle East tensions, energy, artificial intelligence, and global finance.
Trump, posting on Truth Social said both leaders reflected on the historical ties between their nations, particularly their World War II alliance, and agreed on the need to halt the “millions of deaths” in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Putin, according to Trump, endorsed his 2024 campaign slogan, “COMMON SENSE,” as a guiding principle for negotiations.
Trump stated that both leaders expressed interest in future visits to each other’s countries and agreed to have their teams begin immediate diplomatic talks. He confirmed that U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, would spearhead negotiations.
A key next step, Trump revealed, was informing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the discussion, a conversation he said he was “doing right now.”
Shortly after, Zelenskyy posted on X, calling his discussion with Trump “meaningful” and expressing gratitude for the U.S. leader’s engagement.
Zelenskyy emphasised Ukraine’s technological capabilities, including advancements in drone warfare, and mentioned an upcoming security and economic cooperation agreement. “No one wants peace more than Ukraine,” Zelensky stated, confirming ongoing contact and plans for future meetings.
Trump later posted a follow-up confirming his conversation with Zelenskyy. “He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE,” Trump wrote, highlighting plans for a diplomatic meeting in Munich on Friday, led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio.
Expressing urgency, Trump called the war “ridiculous,” denouncing its “massive, and totally unnecessary, DEATH and DESTRUCTION.” He concluded his post with a message for the people of both nations: “God bless the people of Russia and Ukraine!”
The developments mark a significant shift in diplomatic rhetoric as Trump positions himself as a key player in potential peace talks, though the feasibility and reception of his proposals remain to be seen.
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