Washington, D.C. – February 12, 2025 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he recently held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Trump, both leaders agreed to initiate peace negotiations in an effort to bring an end to the war that has persisted since 2022.
Speaking at a press conference, Trump revealed that his conversation with Putin focused on de-escalation strategies and potential diplomatic solutions. He indicated that the two leaders are considering Saudi Arabia as a possible venue for future talks.
“We both understand the need for peace, and we want to get this done,” Trump stated. “It’s time to stop the fighting and find a solution that works for everyone.”
Trump also confirmed that he has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing their conversation as “meaningful.” While Zelenskyy expressed openness to working with the United States on peace efforts, he did not confirm Ukraine’s direct participation in the proposed negotiations with Russia.
In a related development, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the need for greater European involvement in supporting Ukraine. Hegseth also indicated that Ukraine’s NATO membership bid is currently impractical, aligning with Trump’s stance on the issue. This marks a shift from previous U.S. policy, which had strongly supported Ukraine’s full participation in peace talks and its aspirations to join NATO.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from European leaders. Some officials expressed concerns over the lack of Ukrainian representation in the proposed negotiations, while others welcomed any initiative that could bring an end to the war.
With plans for diplomatic discussions now in motion, the international community awaits further details on how the negotiations will proceed and whether they will lead to a lasting resolution to the conflict.
For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
