Trump and Putin Talk About Ukraine Peace Negotiations in Light of Worldwide Responses.
Leaders from the U.S. and Russia have reached an agreement to start negotiations, while European and Ukrainian officials emphasize the importance of their participation.
On February 12, 2025, President Donald Trump of the United States and President Vladimir Putin of Russia engaged in a 90-minute telephone conversation, during which they agreed to initiate negotiations to address the conflict in Ukraine.
Following their discussion, President Trump declared that both nations would immediately activate their respective teams to start talks, with the possibility of reciprocal visits between the two leaders.
In a later exchange, President Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to outline measures aimed at curbing Russian aggression and achieving lasting peace.
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of Ukraine's direct involvement in any negotiations and asserted that no decisions regarding Ukraine should occur without its participation.
European leaders voiced apprehensions about the potential exclusion of Ukraine and the European Union in the peace talks.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that any agreement reached without the involvement of European and Ukrainian parties would likely be ineffective.
She also warned against making any concessions to Russia prior to the commencement of discussions, labeling such actions as appeasement.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain collectively issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
They highlighted that both Ukraine and Europe must be included in any negotiations and that Kyiv should be provided with robust security assurances as part of any settlement.
The Kremlin expressed its approval of Trump's stance, contrasting it with the approach of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Russian officials characterized the direct talks with the U.S. as an important diplomatic breakthrough.
As the dialogues progress, global leaders are closely observing the changing dynamics and the possible consequences these negotiations may have on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Following their discussion, President Trump declared that both nations would immediately activate their respective teams to start talks, with the possibility of reciprocal visits between the two leaders.
In a later exchange, President Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to outline measures aimed at curbing Russian aggression and achieving lasting peace.
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of Ukraine's direct involvement in any negotiations and asserted that no decisions regarding Ukraine should occur without its participation.
European leaders voiced apprehensions about the potential exclusion of Ukraine and the European Union in the peace talks.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that any agreement reached without the involvement of European and Ukrainian parties would likely be ineffective.
She also warned against making any concessions to Russia prior to the commencement of discussions, labeling such actions as appeasement.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain collectively issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
They highlighted that both Ukraine and Europe must be included in any negotiations and that Kyiv should be provided with robust security assurances as part of any settlement.
The Kremlin expressed its approval of Trump's stance, contrasting it with the approach of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Russian officials characterized the direct talks with the U.S. as an important diplomatic breakthrough.
As the dialogues progress, global leaders are closely observing the changing dynamics and the possible consequences these negotiations may have on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
