Trump holds productive call with Putin ahead of Zelenskyy meeting
Photo: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump said he had a productive conversation today with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I just had a good and very productive telephone call with President Putin of Russia prior to my meeting, at 1:00 P.M. today, with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He did not provide further details. The Kremlin confirmed the conversation but also did not release any specifics.
Earlier, Kremlin officials had said a Trump-Putin call was not scheduled this year. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is preparing to make contact with the US to understand how much Trump's peace plan has evolved following coordination with Ukraine.
Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump
On December 26, Zelenskyy announced that he plans to meet soon with Trump to discuss the peace plan, noting that key decisions could be made before the New Year.
The day before, Zelenskyy publicly unveiled a 20-point peace plan agreed with the US, along with accompanying documents outlining security guarantees and postwar reconstruction measures for Ukraine. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker indicated that, with White House mediation, a peace agreement could be reached within 90 days.
The draft peace agreement has already been sent to Putin, and the Kremlin has confirmed it is under review. Zelenskyy also stated that his meeting with Trump will focus on five key issues: security guarantees, the military dimension, Ukraine's reconstruction, and subsequent steps.
Zelenskyy is currently in Florida. After he meets with Trump, the presidents are expected to issue joint statements and hold a coordinated phone call with European leaders.
