US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about initiating immediate negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
In a statement on his social media platform, Trump revealed that both leaders had agreed to have their respective teams commence discussions without delay.
“We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskiy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now,” he stated.
Trump has once again emphasised his positive rapport with Putin, despite Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine in 2022.
Speaking at the White House earlier in the day, Trump remarked that his administration had been engaged in “very serious” discussions with Russia regarding the ongoing war.
“We were treated very nicely by Russia, actually. I hope that’s the beginning of a relationship where we can end that war,” he told reporters.
As the Russia-Ukraine war approaches its third year, Trump’s strategy for brokering peace remains unclear.
However, he has previously indicated that both Russia and Ukraine would need to make compromises, suggesting that Ukraine may have to cede some of its territory to reach a resolution.