U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to begin immediate negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Announcing the move on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated it was “time to stop this ridiculous war,” while the Kremlin confirmed the two leaders spoke for nearly 90 minutes. However, with Ukraine excluded from the talks, concerns are growing over the fate of the ongoing conflict and Kyiv’s future on the global stage
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he had also spoken with Trump, discussing efforts to establish a “lasting, reliable peace.” However, the talks between Trump and Putin, which excluded Ukrainian officials, have raised concerns in Kyiv.
Trump, echoing his long-standing criticism of the war, wrote, “It is time to stop this ridiculous war, where there has been massive, and totally unnecessary, death and destruction.” He later hinted at a possible meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia, though no official date has been set.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin welcomed Trump’s initiative, adding that their phone call lasted nearly an hour and a half. However, a major point of contention remains Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. Both Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, stated that Ukraine’s membership in the alliance was unlikely— a position that has deeply unsettled Kyiv.
The UK has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasizing London’s commitment to Kyiv’s defense. However, within Ukraine, Trump’s statements and the broader shift in U.S. policy are being viewed as a significant diplomatic blow.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see whether these negotiations will lead to meaningful peace or further geopolitical tension.
