February 12th 2025

Agree to Immediate Negotiations on Ukraine War

Trump and Putin Agree to Immediate Negotiations on Ukraine War, Plan Reciprocal Visits

President Donald Trump announced that he held a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a post on his official Truth Social account, Trump stated that the two leaders discussed a range of global issues, including the war in Ukraine, energy policy, artificial intelligence, and the strength of the U.S. dollar.

Both leaders reflected on the historical collaboration between the United States and Russia during World War II, acknowledging the significant losses both nations endured. They emphasized the importance of halting the ongoing casualties resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

President Trump and President Putin agreed to commence immediate negotiations aimed at ending the war. Plans include reciprocal visits to each other’s countries to further diplomatic efforts. They also intend to inform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about their conversation and the forthcoming negotiations.

President Trump has appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the U.S. negotiation team.

Additionally, President Trump expressed gratitude to President Putin for the recent release of Marc Fogel, whom he personally welcomed at the White House.

This development marks a significant step in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Trump and Putin Plan Historic Meeting in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Ukraine Peace

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the likely venue for their first summit during Trump’s second term. The meeting, which Trump described as imminent, aims to address critical global issues, including negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated, “We expect that he’ll come here, and I’ll go there, and we’re going to meet also, probably in Saudi Arabia. The first time we’ll meet in Saudi Arabia, see if we get something done.” This announcement follows a 90-minute phone call between the two leaders, during which they reportedly agreed to initiate negotiations to halt the Russia-Ukraine conflict “immediately.”

Saudi Arabia’s selection as the potential meeting site is notable, given its neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict and its strong ties with both the U.S. and Russia. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has maintained a close relationship with both Trump and Putin, is seen as a key facilitator. Trump praised the Crown Prince, stating, “We know the crown prince, I think it would be a very good place to meet.”

The timing of the meetings remains unclear, but Trump indicated they would take place “not in the too distant future.” His comments came just hours after he spoke with Putin on the phone, marking their first publicly disclosed call since Trump took office. The discussion primarily focused on efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated earlier Wednesday that she was not aware of any preconditions for the meeting. If held, the in-person summit would mark a significant shift in U.S.-Russia relations. The last U.S. president to meet Putin was Joe Biden in June 2021, nearly four years ago. Biden had not spoken with Putin since February 2022, shortly before Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Following his call with Putin, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance is set to meet with Zelensky later this week during a trip to Europe for the Munich Security Conference. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been dispatched to Ukraine as part of negotiations aimed at securing greater U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals.

Trump has previously emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with Russia. When asked whether the administration considers Russia an adversary or a partner, Leavitt responded:

“This nation views Putin and Russia as a great competitor in the region, at times an adversary. But as the president has said as well, he enjoys having good diplomatic relations with leaders around the world.”

Further details regarding the Trump-Putin meetings are expected to emerge as negotiations progress.

===BRICS News