US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed on the need to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and improve bilateral relations, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
During her press briefing on Wednesday, Leavitt confirmed that Trump also held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address Ukraine’s concerns and requests.
“Yesterday, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace and also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the US and Russia,” Leavitt said.
She further added:
“President Trump also spoke with President Zelenskyy this morning to align both Russia and Ukraine in terms of their needs and requests.”
Trump’s Push for Peace
Trump reiterated that resources being used for war could be better utilized for the welfare of citizens in both Ukraine and Russia.
“As President Trump has said repeatedly, the precious lives and money that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people. This terrible conflict would have never started with President Trump in charge. But he is determined to end it once and for all,” Leavitt stated.
Russia’s Temporary Halt on Energy Infrastructure Strikes
Despite ongoing aerial assaults between Russia and Ukraine, the Kremlin has agreed to temporarily halt attacks on energy infrastructure, CNN reported. However, Russia has not yet committed to a broader ceasefire sought by the US.
Putin announced the halt in attacks on Tuesday, following his extended conversation with Trump.
“Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order,” a Kremlin readout stated, as per CNN.
Kremlin: Trump and Putin “Understand Each Other Well”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed optimism about the US-Russia relationship post-discussions.
“I can say with a high degree of confidence that Presidents Putin and Trump understand each other well, trust each other, and intend to gradually move towards normalizing Russian-American relations,” Peskov told reporters on Wednesday, according to CNN.
Next Steps for Peace?
While the halt on energy infrastructure strikes marks a significant diplomatic step, the path to a full ceasefire remains uncertain. Trump’s engagement with both Putin and Zelenskyy indicates a renewed US effort to broker peace, but Russia’s broader military actions and Ukraine’s demands for sovereignty and security guarantees remain key challenges in reaching a resolution.