President Donald Trump revealed that negotiations to end the Ukraine war will begin “immediately” after a productive phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This conversation, the first between the two leaders since Trump assumed office, marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the conflict. Trump made it clear he is eager to end the war swiftly and has outlined his plans to achieve this.
The Call: Lengthy and Productive Conversation
On Wednesday morning, Trump and Putin engaged in a “lengthy and highly productive” conversation. According to a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects.” He added that both leaders agreed to work closely together, including visiting each other’s nations.
Trump also shared that their respective teams would begin negotiations immediately, and he would contact Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to inform him about the conversation.
A Shifting Focus: Trump’s Settlement Plan Takes Shape
The conversation between Trump and Putin suggests a more conciliatory tone from both sides. Trump mentioned that Putin even used his campaign motto, “COMMON SENSE,” during their call, implying that Putin was attempting to appeal to Trump’s perspective.
In his readout of the call, Trump wrote that both he and Putin were determined to work toward peace. As the U.S. shifts its focus on securing borders and confronting challenges like China, Trump’s vision for the future of Ukraine is starting to take shape.
The Role of NATO and the U.S. in Ukraine’s Future
While Trump seeks to broker a deal to end the conflict, his administration has taken a clear stance on Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at a conference in Brussels, declared that Kyiv joining NATO was unrealistic. He also emphasized that the U.S. will no longer prioritize Ukrainian and European security in favor of focusing on domestic security and deterring conflict with China.
Trump’s administration is taking steps to clarify how a resolution to the war might unfold. Trump himself has mentioned a possible agreement with Ukraine’s Zelensky for access to the country’s rare earth minerals in exchange for continued U.S. support.
Trump’s Focus on U.S.-Russia Relations
Trump’s direct engagement with Putin contrasts with President Joe Biden’s stance, which has seen little direct communication with the Russian leader in recent years. Biden has not spoken to Putin in nearly three years, viewing him as a war criminal.
The last U.S. president to visit Russia was Barack Obama in 2013, and Putin last visited the United States in 2015. Trump’s openness to dialogue represents a shift in diplomatic strategy that could have significant global implications.
Future of U.S.-Russia Relations and Global Security
Steve Witkoff, one of Trump’s top negotiators on the Ukraine conflict, highlighted the release of wrongfully detained American Marc Fogel as a sign of what future relations between Trump and Putin could look like. Witkoff suggested that this new relationship between the two leaders could lead to positive outcomes for global security and the resolution of the Ukraine war.
“I think they had a great friendship, and I think now it’s going to continue, and it’s a really good thing for the world,” Witkoff said, suggesting the potential for a constructive partnership moving forward.
Conclusion: Trump’s New Approach to Ending the War in Ukraine
Trump’s phone call with Putin marks the beginning of a new phase in U.S.-Russia relations. With negotiations set to begin immediately, Trump’s plan to resolve the Ukraine conflict is taking shape. As the U.S. pivots toward focusing on domestic security and China, European allies, along with Ukraine, will need to navigate these changes as the peace process unfolds.
