US and Russian leaders discuss Ukraine, AI, energy, and diplomacy in a “lengthy and productive” call
Washington, DC [US], February 13:
In a significant diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump held a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to initiate immediate negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described the call as “highly productive”, adding that he and Putin also discussed the Middle East, Artificial Intelligence (AI), energy, and global economic stability.
Trump: “We Agreed to Work Closely Together”
Detailing the discussion, Trump emphasized that both leaders acknowledged the devastation of the Ukraine war and shared a mutual desire to bring the conflict to a halt.
“We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations and the fact that we fought so successfully together in World War II. We each talked about the strengths of our respective nations and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together,” Trump posted.
He added, “We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy of Ukraine to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now.”
Trump Names Negotiation Team
To lead the negotiations, Trump appointed key officials, including:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe
- National Security Advisor Michael Waltz
- Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
Trump reiterated that the war could have been avoided if he had been in office earlier, but now that it has happened, “it must end. No more lives should be lost!”
Trump Thanks Putin for Efforts, Celebrates Marc Fogel’s Release
During the conversation, Trump thanked Putin for his time and effort and also acknowledged Russia’s recent release of Marc Fogel, a US citizen who had been detained in Russia on drug-related charges.
“I want to thank President Putin for his time and effort with respect to this call and for the release of Marc Fogel, a wonderful man that I personally greeted last night at the White House. I believe this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, hopefully soon,” Trump wrote.
Putin’s Stance on Trump and Ukraine
Putin has previously expressed openness to discussions with Trump regarding Ukraine. In December 2024, he stated his willingness to meet Trump “at any time” to explore potential compromises in resolving the conflict.
“I don’t know when I’m going to see him. He isn’t saying anything about it. I haven’t talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time,” Putin said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
Following Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections, Putin congratulated him and confirmed Moscow’s readiness to engage in dialogue with the new administration.
As diplomatic efforts now gain momentum, all eyes will be on how these negotiations shape the future of the war in Ukraine and the broader US-Russia relationship.