President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to begin negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The announcement, made via a social media post, follows a lengthy and “highly productive” phone call between the two leaders, marking a significant step toward resolving the nearly three-year-long conflict that has claimed millions of lives.
In his post, President Trump revealed that the discussion with Putin covered a wide range of topics, including Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, artificial intelligence, and the strength of the U.S. dollar. However, the centerpiece of the conversation was the urgent need to end the war in Ukraine.
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“We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations, and the fact that we fought so successfully together in World War II, remembering that Russia lost tens of millions of people, and we, likewise, lost so many!” Trump wrote. “We each talked about the strengths of our respective Nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together. But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.”
Trump noted that Putin even referenced his campaign motto, “COMMON SENSE,” during their discussion, emphasizing their shared belief in practical solutions to complex problems.
The two leaders agreed to “work together, very closely,” including the possibility of visiting each other’s countries. They also pledged to involve Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the process, with Trump stating that he would call Zelenskyy immediately to inform him of the conversation.
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To lead the negotiations, President Trump has appointed a high-level team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
“I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the negotiations, which I feel strongly will be successful,” Trump said.
Trump reiterated his long-standing belief that the war in Ukraine could have been avoided if he had been president at the time. “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,” he wrote. “No more lives should be lost!”
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The announcement comes on the heels of a successful prisoner swap that saw the release of American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, who had been detained in Russia for over three years. Fogel, who was personally greeted by Trump at the White House on Tuesday night, expressed his gratitude to the president for securing his freedom.
The upcoming negotiations represent a historic opportunity to bring an end to one of the deadliest conflicts of the 21st century. While details of the talks remain unclear, President Trump expressed optimism about the prospects for peace.
“I believe this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, hopefully soon!” he wrote.
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