In a surprising turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a lengthy phone conversation on Wednesday, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the two countries. The Kremlin announced that Putin has extended an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow, while Trump suggested that the two leaders could meet in Saudi Arabia.
Describing the call as “highly productive,” Trump took to Truth Social to share details of their discussion, which focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that both leaders expressed a desire for a quick ceasefire and a peaceful resolution, with Trump emphasizing the urgent need to halt the violence that has resulted in “millions of deaths.”
“We agreed to work together closely, including visiting each other’s nations,” Trump stated, announcing that their teams would begin negotiations immediately. He mentioned plans to inform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the conversation shortly after their call.
The dialogue, which lasted nearly 90 minutes, also covered a range of topics, including the Middle East and economic relations between Russia and the U.S. Trump, who expressed optimism about the negotiations, has tasked a team of key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, to lead the discussions.
While Trump and Putin explored various issues, Trump reiterated his agreement with NATO officials that Ukraine’s chances of joining the alliance are slim, reinforcing a stance that calls for European nations to assume greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense.
In the wake of the conversation, the United Nations welcomed the initiative, describing it as a “positive development” for efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict. UN spokesman Farhan Haq expressed hope for further dialogue involving both sides, highlighting the importance of regular contact between the U.S. and Russia.
As anticipation builds for potential meetings between Trump and Putin, questions remain about the future of U.S.-Russia relations and the impact on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Will this lead to a new era of collaboration or merely a fleeting moment in the complex geopolitical landscape? Only time will tell.
