Trump speaks with Putin to broker Ukraine war ceasefire
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump announced that he had a phone conversation with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The American leader sought to negotiate with the Kremlin chief on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to The New York Post.
US President Donald Trump revealed that he had a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, claiming that Putin "wants to see people stop dying" in the war.
Speaking aboard Air Force One in an interview with an American publication on Friday, Trump declined to disclose the duration of their conversation, saying, "I’d better not say."
The US president suggested that Putin is supposedly "does care" about the loss of life on the battlefield.
"He wants to see people stop dying. All those dead people. Young, young, beautiful people. They’re like your kids, two million of them – and for no reason," The New York Post quoted Trump as saying.
Trump reiterated his claim that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine "never would have happened" if he had been president in 2022. He also emphasized his "good relationship" with Putin, which he claimed was different from that of his predecessor.
The president further stated that he has a concrete plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
"I hope it’s fast. Every day people are dying. This war is so bad in Ukraine. I want to end this damn thing," Trump said.
Turning to his national security advisor, Mike Waltz, who was with him on Air Force One, Trump said, "Let’s get these meetings going."
"They want to meet. Every day people are dying. Young handsome soldiers are being killed. Young men, like my sons. On both sides. All over the battlefield," The New York Post quoted him as saying.
Upcoming diplomatic meetings
Next week, US Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference.
Trump also announced plans to negotiate a $500 million deal with Ukraine for access to rare earth minerals and gas in exchange for security guarantees as part of any potential peace settlement.
Talks between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin on ending the war
On February 7, Trump stated that he would likely speak with Putin, citing their "good relations." He also previously said he could meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, as he does not plan to visit Kyiv for now.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky has expressed willingness to engage in talks with Putin but stressed the need for clear terms on how the war would end.
On February 7, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, stated that the visit of US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, is expected in February. According to RBC-Ukraine, Kellogg may arrive in Ukraine on February 20.
Additionally, on February 7, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained why Trump should meet with him before speaking with Putin. The following day, Zelenskyy stated that the Russian leader has no real interest in peace, pointing out that Russia plans to increase its army by another 100,000 troops.
A report published on February 9 by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlighted that Russia continues expanding its military capabilities, indicating that the Kremlin is not interested in negotiations or a lasting peace with Ukraine.
