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Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a crucial phone discussion, with the Kremlin and the White House confirming the conversation on Wednesday. Trump later suggested the two leaders could meet in Saudi Arabia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin had extended an invitation to Trump to visit Moscow and expressed Russia’s willingness to host U.S. officials for further discussions.
“I had a long and very productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump shared on Truth Social, giving his version of the call.
Talks on Ukraine Conflict
According to Peskov, the leaders focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for a peaceful resolution. Trump reportedly supported a quick ceasefire, while Putin emphasized addressing the root causes of the war.
Trump stated that both leaders agreed on the urgency of stopping the massive loss of lives in the Russia-Ukraine war.
“We have decided to work together closely, including visiting each other’s countries. We have also agreed to begin negotiations immediately, starting with a call to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, which I will make right away,” Trump said.
He added that he had tasked key officials—U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff—with leading the U.S. team in the discussions.
Trump expressed confidence that negotiations with Russia would be successful.
‘Extensive and Substantive’ Dialogue
The Kremlin described the conversation as “extensive and substantive,” lasting nearly 90 minutes.
“They also discussed the Middle East situation, Iran’s nuclear program, and economic relations between Russia and the U.S.,” Peskov said.
Both leaders agreed to maintain direct communication and arrange future meetings.
“We covered Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, artificial intelligence, the power of the dollar, and several other issues,” Trump noted.
Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that he and Putin would meet in Saudi Arabia but did not specify a date. He also said both leaders planned visits to each other’s countries.
Ukraine’s NATO Membership Unlikely
Following his call with Putin, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the Ukrainian leader’s office confirming that the discussion lasted about an hour.
“I had a meaningful conversation with @POTUS. We discussed ways to achieve peace, our readiness to collaborate, and Ukraine’s technological capabilities, including drones and other advanced industries,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Trump later told reporters he agreed with his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, who stated at a NATO summit that Ukraine’s NATO membership was unlikely.
“I think that’s probably true,” Trump commented.
At the NATO meeting, Hegseth emphasized that Trump wants European nations to take on greater financial and military responsibility for Ukraine’s defense. He also reiterated that NATO membership for Ukraine was not a realistic goal in a negotiated peace settlement.
UN Welcomes Peace Efforts
The United Nations welcomed the talks between Putin and Trump, calling them a “positive step” toward resolving the conflict.
“We support any effort that brings Russia and Ukraine to the table for peace. If both sides are willing to negotiate, that is a welcome development,” said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The UN also noted that it would consider playing a role in negotiations if requested.
