WASHINGTON — In a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, President Donald Trump announced an agreement to start negotiations aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict with Russia, following a surprise prisoner swap. The president mentioned that he had a lengthy conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing optimism about prospects for peace. He later had a dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though he was vague about Ukraine’s role in the negotiations with Russia.
“I believe both President Putin and President Zelenskyy seek peace, just like I do,” Trump stated to the press in the Oval Office. He emphasized his desire to halt the loss of life, saying, “I simply want to see people stop being killed.” During his discussion with Putin, Trump suggested that he could confidently assert that Putin also desires a resolution to the conflict, stating, “That’s good — we’re going to work toward getting this resolved as quickly as possible.”
Trump hinted at a potential face-to-face meeting with Putin in the near future, possibly in Saudi Arabia, sending a clear message that both Washington and Moscow might be pursuing a diplomatic agreement that could circumvent Ukraine’s government involvement. This diverges from the Biden administration’s stance, which emphasized that Kyiv must be included in any negotiations.
When questioned about the possibility of Ukraine being actively involved in the peace discussions, Trump responded, “Interesting question. I think they need to make peace.” Furthermore, in a sign of contention regarding Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth communicated that such aspirations are impractical. Trump echoed Hegseth’s sentiment, stating, “I don’t think it’s practical to pursue NATO membership for Ukraine, and I believe he’s right about that.”
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration, joined by NATO allies, had maintained that Ukraine’s accession to the alliance was an unavoidable conclusion. Trump remarked on Russia’s longstanding opposition to NATO’s expansion, noting, “They’ve been asserting for years that Ukraine cannot join NATO, and I’m fine with that.”
Reactions to this development varied, with Zelenskyy attempting to project resilience in what may be perceived as a disappointment for many in his country. In a post on social media, he described his conversation with Trump as meaningful, encompassing discussions about working together to explore opportunities for peace. “I appreciate President Trump’s support,” he added.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Trump and Putin’s discussion covered various topics, particularly focusing on Ukraine. Peskov stated that Trump advocated for a swift end to hostilities and a peaceful resolution, with Putin highlighting the necessity of addressing the underlying issues of the conflict. He noted that both leaders recognize the importance of bilateral cooperation moving forward.
Additionally, Ukraine proposed a deal with the Trump administration to maintain American military assistance in exchange for advancing its mineral industry, which holds potential for supplying rare earth elements crucial for technology. Trump indicated that support would likely persist while emphasizing the need for written guarantees of U.S. access to these resources.
In the midst of this dialogue, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the administration’s view of Russia as a significant competitor, often seen as an adversary. However, she also pointed out Trump’s inclination toward fostering diplomatic relations globally.
The approach to deeper engagement with Putin regarding Ukraine stands in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s position, which has consistently reiterated the phrase, “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” This week, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump’s special envoy to Russia-Ukraine, retired General Keith Kellogg, are participating in the annual Munich Security Conference, where Zelenskyy is also a participant.
The recent Trump-Putin call, which reflects a fundamental change in policy, came on the heels of a prisoner exchange where Russia freed American educator Marc Fogel in return for convicted criminal Alexander Vinnik. The White House described this swap as a sign of warming relations that might facilitate peace negotiations in Ukraine.
Detailing his call with Putin, Trump remarked that both leaders acknowledged the strengths of their nations and the advantages of future collaboration. He also mentioned the formation of teams to kickstart negotiations, having appointed a group of officials, including Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, to spearhead these discussions.
Fogel, who was unjustly detained by Russia for over three years, was arrested in 2021 for minor drug possession, and his case had been omitted from earlier negotiation attempts made by the Biden administration. Vinnik, detained in Greece in 2017 on U.S. charges of cryptocurrency fraud, was extradited to the U.S. and later pleaded guilty to money laundering charges.
As the situation unfolds, both nations are balancing new dynamics in relationships and negotiations while maintaining a keen focus on the implications for Ukraine’s future and its strategic partnerships.
