Trump, Putin Discuss Ukraine, Global Issues in 'Highly Productive' Call

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he held a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, energy, artificial intelligence, and global financial stability.

In a statement, Trump said he and Putin reflected on the historical ties between the United States and Russia, particularly their alliance during World War II. He noted the significant casualties both nations suffered and expressed a shared interest in strengthening diplomatic relations.

A key focus of the conversation was the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trump claimed both leaders expressed a desire to bring an end to the war, which he described as having caused “millions of deaths.” He said Putin invoked Trump’s campaign slogan, calling for “common sense” in resolving the crisis.

Trump also announced plans for U.S. and Russian officials to begin negotiations aimed at achieving peace. He said he would immediately inform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the conversation. The negotiations, Trump stated, will be led on the U.S. side by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

“I feel strongly these negotiations will be successful,” Trump said. “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.”

Trump also thanked Putin for the recent release of Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen and former teacher detained in Russia. Fogel returned to the U.S. on Monday and was greeted by Trump at the White House.

While Trump did not specify details of a potential peace agreement, he stated that he and Putin had agreed to visit each other’s nations in the future and work toward closer cooperation.

The war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. U.S. and NATO allies have continued to provide military aid to Ukraine, while diplomatic efforts to broker a peace deal have so far remained stalled.

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