President Donald Trump just announced major news after a historic phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an exclusive statement, Trump declared that negotiations to end the Ukraine war will start immediately. This call marked the first conversation between the two since Trump took office last month.
Talks begin, war could end soon
Trump made it clear: he’s determined to bring the Ukraine conflict to a close quickly. The phone call, described as “lengthy and highly productive,” lasted nearly 90 minutes. Both leaders discussed several pressing issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, artificial intelligence, and the global economy. Trump revealed the news on Truth Social, emphasizing their commitment to work together closely. He also shared that they agreed to start negotiations right away.
Trump’s next step? Reaching out to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to inform him of the conversation.
Agreement to work together
Putin and Trump seemed to be on the same page during the call. Trump even noted that Putin echoed his campaign slogan, “COMMON SENSE,” suggesting both leaders were on a similar wavelength. The Kremlin confirmed the call lasted 90 minutes, with both sides agreeing to work together and meet in person soon.
Trump had been vocal in recent weeks about wanting to talk to Putin directly to end the war. This call is a major step forward in his goal to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.
Shifting focus: U.S. security first
As the war enters its fourth year, American officials are shifting priorities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Brussels conference that NATO membership for Ukraine is no longer a realistic option. Instead, the U.S. is focusing on securing its own borders and preparing for potential conflict with China.
This change in strategy also affects U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has suggested that Ukraine might give the U.S. access to its valuable rare earth minerals in exchange for continued aid. This new proposal could change the dynamics of the war.
Trump talks to Zelensky after Putin call
After speaking with Putin, Trump quickly called Zelenskyy to relay the news. Unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, who hadn’t spoken to Putin in nearly three years, Trump’s open communication could shift the course of the war.
Biden had refrained from talking to Putin, calling him a war criminal. Meanwhile, Trump seems determined to engage directly with Russia in a way that could bring results.
A possible meeting in Saudi Arabia
Trump hinted at another major development on Wednesday. He said there’s a strong possibility he will meet Putin in Saudi Arabia. Though no formal decision has been made, Trump mentioned Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could play a key role in the discussions.
“We think we’re going to probably meet in Saudi Arabia,” Trump said. He added that while the date is yet to be set, the meeting could happen “in the not too distant future.”
However, Trump remained non-committal about visiting Ukraine at this stage. He said he would consider it after the initial meeting with Putin.
The future of U.S. – Russia relations
The release of American prisoner Marc Fogel, who had been wrongfully detained in Russia, could signal more positive steps toward ending the war. Steve Witkoff, one of Trump’s top negotiators, sees this release as a good sign of cooperation between Trump and Putin.
Witkoff, who met with Putin in Moscow this week, believes the relationship between the two leaders will continue to grow. “It’s a really good thing for the world,” he said, hinting that a lasting peace could be within reach.
