WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump said he is working on new negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
“And I think we’re on the way to getting peace,” said Trump.
Following Russia’s release of Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel, President Trump spoke to Putin over the phone. Trump described the call as “highly productive” and adding they will begin negotiations immediately to end the nearly 3-year war in Ukraine. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also spoke with Trump over the phone following his conversation with Putin. Zelenskyy said their conversation focused on achieving peace and working together on economic and resource partnerships. Zelenskyy later added as an independent, sovereign country, any negotiations must include Ukraine at the negotiating table. On Thursday, Trump was asked if Ukraine would be part of the negotiations. He said Ukraine and other partners would also be involved.
“I think President Putin wants peace, President Zelensky wants peace and I want peace,” said Trump. “I just want to see people stop getting killed.”
Before Trump clarified that Ukraine and other partners would be included in the negotiations, alarm bells ran from European allies. They stressed everyone needed a seat at the negotiating table. Many countries are worried that only having US and Russia discuss terms could align with more of Russia’s goals of how the war should end.
“We want, like you, a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine,” said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. “But we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective. Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering.”
Sec. Hegseth also reiterated that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not part of a realistic peace plan. If added as a member, it could shield Ukraine from future Russian attacks. Russia has overwhelmingly opposed Ukraine’s membership into NATO.
The Secretary said the President hopes to end the war through diplomatic measures.
“The bloodshed must stop and this war must end,” said Sec. Hegseth.
President Trump also said he plans to meet with Putin in person, potentially in Saudi Arabia sometime soon.
