Trump Announces Immediate Start of Ukraine Talks

Trump Announces Immediate Start of Ukraine Talks

WASHINGTON: Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on Wednesday, agreeing to initiate talks aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. This unexpected diplomatic shift could potentially sideline Kyiv from key negotiations.

Trump characterized the call as “lengthy and highly productive” in a post on Truth Social, stating that both leaders had also agreed to visit each otherโ€™s countries in an effort to ease tensions that have persisted since Russiaโ€™s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

According to the Kremlin, the conversation lasted nearly ninety minutes, with both leaders acknowledging that “the time has come to work together.”

“I just had a significant and constructive phone conversation with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump stated, mentioning discussions on Ukraine, the Middle East, artificial intelligence, and other global issues.

Trump emphasized their mutual desire to end the “millions of deaths” in the Russia-Ukraine war, though his figures remain unverified.

“We agreed to collaborate closely, including exchanging visits to each other’s nations,” he said. “Additionally, we have instructed our teams to commence negotiations on Ukraine immediately.”

During his campaign, Trump pledged to resolve the Ukraine war “within 24 hours” upon assuming office and has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution. However, this conversation marks his first clear acknowledgment of direct discussions with Putin.

In a move suggesting Ukraine may not be a primary decision-maker in the peace process, Trump indicated that he would first contact Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to inform him about the discussion.

Zelensky later stated that he had a “meaningful” conversation with Trump regarding “opportunities to achieve peace,” during which Trump shared insights from his exchange with Putin.

Following the discussions, Trump asserted that “like President Putin, President Zelensky also wants to make peace.”

 

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