Trump and Putin hold “highly productive” call, agree to start Ukraine peace talks immediately

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a “lengthy and highly productive” phone conversation on February 12, agreeing to initiate immediate negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to statements from both leaders.

The call, which lasted nearly 90 minutes, was the first known discussion between the two presidents since Trump returned to office last month. It marks a significant shift in diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow, with both sides signalling a willingness to work towards a settlement, Caliber.Az reports.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump detailed the subjects discussed during the conversation. “We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects,” he wrote.

Trump further stated that he and Putin had agreed to “work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations.” He also noted plans to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy immediately after the discussion to inform him of the developments.

“President Putin even used my very strong Campaign motto of, ‘COMMON SENSE.’ We both believe very strongly in it,” Trump added.

The Kremlin’s readout of the call confirmed that both leaders struck a conciliatory tone, emphasizing cooperation between their countries.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin invited Trump to visit Moscow and agreed that “the time has come for our countries to work together.”

"The President of Russia supported one of the key points made by the head of the American state that the time has come for our countries to work together," Peskov said.

He further added that Putin had expressed his willingness to receive American officials in Russia for discussions on a potential settlement of the Ukraine conflict.

The two presidents also discussed the exchange of detained citizens between Russia and the U.S. “The President of the United States assured that the American side would fulfil all the agreements reached,” Peskov said.

Shortly after his call with Putin, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a statement on X, Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Trump’s involvement in the peace process.

“I had a long and detailed conversation with President Trump. I appreciate his genuine interest in our shared opportunities and how we can bring about real peace together,” Zelenskyy wrote.

“We discussed many aspects—diplomatic, military, and economic—and President Trump informed me about what Putin told him. We believe that America’s strength, together with Ukraine and all our partners, is enough to push Russia to peace.”

Trump has previously suggested that any future deal with Ukraine could involve U.S. access to the country’s rare earth minerals in exchange for continued American assistance.

Later on February 12, Trump suggested that he and Putin could soon meet in Saudi Arabia to further negotiations, though no formal decision had been made.

“We think we’re going to probably meet in Saudi Arabia, the first meeting,” Trump told reporters, noting that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could play a role in the discussions.

“A date for that meeting hasn’t been set,” Trump said, but he added that it could take place in the “not too distant future.”

When asked if Zelenskyy would be included in the meeting, Trump indicated that the initial talks would likely be limited to U.S.-Russia discussions.

“Probably we’ll have a first meeting and then we’ll see what we can do about the second meeting,” he said.

While Trump left open the possibility of visiting Ukraine in the future, he stated, “I would think about going, I’d think about it, no problem.”

By Vugar Khalilov