President Donald Trump announced today that Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin negotiations to end the war, following a “highly productive” conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump made the announcement via Truth Social, revealing details of his call with Putin and emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in resolving the conflict.
“I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump wrote. “We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects.”
“We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations, and the fact that we fought so successfully together in World War II, remembering, that Russia lost tens of millions of people, and we, likewise, lost so many! We each talked about the strengths of our respective Nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together. But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.”
The president noted that Putin even echoed his well-known campaign slogan, COMMON SENSE, in their discussion. Trump said both leaders are committed to working closely together and that he will be informing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the next steps.
As part of the negotiations, Trump has tasked a team of top officials to lead the effort, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
“We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately,” Trump wrote. “I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the negotiations which, I feel strongly, will be successful.”
“Millions of people have died in a War that would not have happened if I were President, but it did happen, so it must end. No more lives should be lost!”
The announcement follows recent remarks by Fox News host Pete Hegseth, who ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine—something Trump has long opposed. While details of the negotiations remain unclear, Trump’s administration appears to be pursuing a diplomatic resolution that could potentially redefine Ukraine’s geopolitical alignment.
Trump also thanked Putin for securing the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher who had been imprisoned in Russia. Fogel was welcomed back to the U.S. yesterday, with Trump personally greeting him at the White House.
“They (Ukraine) may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday,” Trump said in a news conference Tuesday.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “A significant part of Ukraine wants to become Russia, and the fact that it has already become Russia is (undeniable),” during a Tuesday press briefing in response to inquiries about Trump’s remarks.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has continued with fighting across multiple fronts. Ukraine, backed by Western allies providing military and financial aid, has managed to hold off Russian advances and even reclaim some territory.
Despite Ukrainian resilience, challenges persist, including shortages of ammunition, manpower strains, and political complications in securing continued Western support. The conflict has also had global consequences, affecting energy markets, grain exports, and international diplomacy.
