Trump Engages Putin and Zelenskiy in Peace Talks to End Ukraine War

Trump Engages Putin and Zelenskiy in Peace Talks to End Ukraine War

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed a desire for peace during separate phone calls on Wednesday. Trump has since ordered top U.S. officials to begin negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Following a one-hour conversation with Putin, Trump stated that the Russian leader seeks a ceasefire and a lasting resolution. "He wants it to end and not resume in six months," Trump said, emphasizing his commitment to stopping the violence. The Kremlin later confirmed that Putin invited Trump to Moscow, though their first meeting will likely take place in Saudi Arabia.

Trump later spoke with Zelenskiy, who confirmed the discussion focused on peace efforts and Ukraine’s technological capabilities, including drones. No official peace talks have occurred since the war began in 2022.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a major shift in U.S. policy, stating that Ukraine’s aim to reclaim all occupied territories and join NATO is "unrealistic." He stressed that any peace deal must include security guarantees but ruled out U.S. troop deployment. Meanwhile, European nations, including Britain, France, and Germany, insist on being part of any future negotiations.

Zelenskiy, eager to maintain U.S. support, proposed a deal for American investment in Ukraine’s mineral resources. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, visiting Kyiv, suggested such an agreement could serve as a “security shield” after the war.

As part of diplomatic efforts, Trump’s team, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, will spearhead negotiations. Vice President JD Vance and Rubio are set to meet in Munich to discuss the conflict. This initiative follows a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap, which the Kremlin says may help build trust.