Peace talks initiated: Trump held discussions with Putin and Zelensky

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin officially launch peace talks on Ukraine.

Today, Trump and Putin held their first official conversation. It was a lengthy discussion, lasting an hour and a half.

Trump was the first to disclose the contents of his conversation with Putin, followed by the Kremlin’s version a few minutes later.

What Was Agreed Upon?

First, both leaders agreed to initiate official negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Trump named the U.S. representatives for the talks: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Trump’s special envoy Stephen Witkoff, whose visit to Moscow preceded the discussion. Putin expressed readiness to host the American delegation in Moscow for negotiations.

Notably, General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s previous representative on Ukraine, was absent from the list of participants. Russian media had previously reported that Kellogg was viewed negatively in Moscow, as he was perceived as a figure aligned with the Western “war party.” This could explain his replacement with Witkoff in the negotiation group.

Second, both leaders agreed to hold personal high-level meetings. Putin extended an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow, which likely would not have been proposed without prior approval from Trump’s side. Trump confirmed the agreement for an in-person meeting.

Third, both sides stated a shared desire to end the war in Ukraine without highlighting any contradictions at this stage. However, Trump specifically called for a swift cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, aligning with previously discussed plans where the U.S. would push for a ceasefire, followed by elections in Ukraine and the signing of a final peace treaty.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented that Putin emphasized the need to address the root causes of the Ukraine conflict, which for Moscow includes preventing Ukraine from joining NATO.

Fourth, overall, both sides’ remarks about the conversation were positive. Peskov noted that Putin supported Trump’s statement that it was time for both nations to work together. Trump described the discussion in enthusiastic terms:

“We both reflected on the great history of our nations and how successfully we fought together in World War II. We talked about the strengths of our nations and the great benefits we could achieve through cooperation. But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths happening in the Russia-Ukraine war. President Putin even used my very strong campaign slogan ‘Common Sense.’ We both firmly believe in it. We agreed to work together very closely, including visiting each other’s countries.”

Fifth, Trump stated that after speaking with Putin, he would call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to inform him about the discussion with the Russian president.

Zelensky had previously urged Trump multiple times to speak with him first before engaging with Putin, but Trump did the opposite.

At present, Trump and Zelensky have already spoken.

Following their conversation, Zelensky said that Trump briefed him on his discussion with Putin and that they discussed signing a new security and economic cooperation agreement between Ukraine and the U.S.

Trump, commenting on his talk with Zelensky, stated:

“I just spoke with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. The conversation went very well. He, like President Putin, wants to make peace. We discussed many war-related topics, but mainly the upcoming meeting on Friday in Munich, where the U.S. delegation will be led by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. I hope the results of this meeting will be positive. It’s time to stop this absurd war, which has caused massive and completely unnecessary deaths and destruction. May God bless the people of Russia and Ukraine!”