Canada Global (Web News) In a major diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a desire for peace during recent phone calls. Following these discussions, Trump directed top U.S. officials to initiate negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
This development comes after Trump’s defense secretary signaled a shift in Washington’s stance, stating that Kyiv must reconsider its NATO ambitions and territorial claims against Russia. The statement marked a significant departure from previous U.S. policy.
Trump held an hour-long conversation with Putin, during which the Russian leader indicated a willingness to end the war. Trump told reporters that discussions focused on securing a ceasefire in the near future.
“He wants it to end, but not in a way that leads to renewed fighting months later,” Trump said, adding that both Putin and Zelensky seek peace, and his goal is to stop further bloodshed.
The Kremlin confirmed that Putin and Trump agreed to meet soon, with Putin extending an invitation to Moscow. Trump, however, stated their first meeting would “probably” take place in Saudi Arabia.
On his social media platform, Trump announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz would lead peace negotiations.
Trump also spoke with Zelensky, who later shared on X that they discussed opportunities for peace, Ukraine’s readiness to cooperate, and advancements in drone and technology industries.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders and NATO membership were “unrealistic goals,” warning that pursuing them would prolong the war and cause more suffering.
European leaders responded by insisting that Ukraine must actively participate in any negotiations about its future. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s position.
The diplomatic push follows a recent U.S.-Russia prisoner swap, which saw Moscow release an American teacher in exchange for a Russian cybercrime convict. The Kremlin suggested that such exchanges could help rebuild trust between the two nations.
