President Donald Trump announced that negotiations to end the Ukraine war will begin “immediately” following a lengthy and “highly productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday morning.
The call, the first between the two leaders since Trump took office last month, signals a renewed push from the White House to bring the conflict to a swift resolution. Trump posted on Truth Social that the two discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, artificial intelligence, and the global economy, adding that they agreed to closely cooperate and arrange mutual visits.
“We will begin by calling President Zelenskyy to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now,” Trump wrote.
Both Washington and Moscow characterized the 90-minute conversation as constructive, with Putin reportedly echoing Trump’s campaign slogan, “Common Sense.”
Meanwhile, Trump administration officials have begun outlining their stance on Ukraine’s future. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Kyiv’s NATO membership is unrealistic and that the U.S. will shift focus toward securing its own borders and deterring conflict with China.
Trump has also floated a deal with Ukraine that would allow American access to its rare earth minerals in exchange for continued support.
A potential in-person meeting between Trump and Putin could take place in Saudi Arabia, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman playing a role in discussions. Trump said a date is not yet set but could be in the “not too distant future.”
While Trump has not committed to visiting Ukraine, he left the possibility open, stating, “I would think about going, I’d think about it, no problem.”
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