- U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine.
- The phone conversation is the first known direct discussion between Putin and a U.S. president since 2022.
- Trump calls the war in Ukraine a “bloodbath” and says he wants to end it quickly.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov comments on ongoing communications but does not confirm Trump’s report.
- Trump plans a potential meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss peace efforts.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he had recently spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about finding a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This phone conversation marks the first known direct exchange between Putin and a U.S. president since early 2022, making it a significant development in international diplomacy.
Trump, who has consistently promised to end the war, has not yet publicly outlined a detailed strategy. However, he described the conflict as a “bloodbath” and mentioned that his team had held “some very good talks” in relation to peace efforts. He added that Putin expressed a desire for an end to the violence, stating, “He wants to see people stop dying.”
Trump, Putin, and the War in Ukraine
The White House didn’t respond to comment requests outside regular hours. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that “many different communications are emerging” about the war. However, he didn’t confirm the details of Trump’s conversation with Putin. He added that these communications often happen through various channels, making it hard for him to verify or deny reports.
Peskov’s cautious comments hint that the Kremlin is being careful about discussing these talks. It’s unclear if the conversation between Trump and Putin was part of ongoing negotiations or just a one-time exchange. This leaves room for speculation about the nature of the dialogue.
Trump, in his interview with The New York Post, said he wants to end the war quickly. He expressed his concern for the lives lost, stating, “Every day people are dying. This war is so bad in Ukraine.” Trump didn’t offer specifics on how he plans to negotiate peace but mentioned the possibility of a meeting with Putin. A summit could be held soon, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential locations.
Ukraine’s NATO Ambitions and Putin’s Demands
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has its roots in geopolitical tensions, with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent war with Ukrainian forces in the eastern regions. Putin has repeatedly stated that Ukraine must abandon its ambitions of joining NATO and that it must withdraw its troops from the regions of Ukraine claimed by Russia for peace talks to proceed.
In his public remarks, Putin has made clear that he is open to negotiating a peace deal but will not make significant territorial concessions. According to reports, including from Reuters, Putin has insisted that Ukraine must drop its NATO aspirations for any resolution to be possible.
Trump’s Approach to Peace Talks and the War
While in office, Trump kept a relatively friendly relationship with Putin. He often praised the Russian leader for his strength and leadership. After leaving the White House, Trump reportedly had several private conversations with Putin. Bob Woodward mentioned these in his 2024 book War. The Kremlin denied this, but Trump only hinted at the possibility, saying, “If I did, it’s a smart thing.”
Trump has long believed that direct communication with Putin is key to securing peace. He even called for a summit to discuss ways to end the conflict. He claims to have a concrete plan for peace, though he hasn’t shared any details yet.
In addition to talking with Putin, Trump plans to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky soon. He hopes to discuss ways to bring the war to an end. Trump mentioned the meeting could happen as early as next week. This reflects his idea of engaging both sides in the conflict for a possible solution.
Trump’s stance on the war has remained clear and focused on peace. He believes he could bring Putin and Zelensky together if he were re-elected. “I’ve always had a good relationship with Putin,” Trump said. He’s confident he could end the war quickly.
The Role of International Diplomacy
International mediation and diplomacy are seen as essential for ending the war. Trump’s direct approach contrasts with the more conventional diplomatic channels pursued by current U.S. President Joe Biden, who has provided military aid to Ukraine while sanctioning Russia. While Trump’s position has been met with both support and skepticism, it is clear that he views direct talks with Putin as the most effective path toward peace.
As global leaders continue to call for a ceasefire, the role of former leaders like Trump could become more prominent in facilitating peace talks, especially as the war drags on with no clear resolution in sight.
The latest developments between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin signal a potential shift in the approach to the Ukraine conflict. Trump’s desire to engage directly with Putin, along with his plans to meet with Zelensky, indicate that he intends to pursue diplomacy as a means of ending the war. As tensions remain high, the world watches closely to see whether these discussions will lead to a meaningful resolution or simply add more complexity to an already fraught situation.