Trump’s call with Russian President sparks negotiations for end to Ukraine war

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social a significant shift in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, stating that negotiations to end the war will commence "immediately" after his productive call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

This conversation, the first since Trump's presidency began, could chart a new course for the ongoing conflict, now approaching its fourth year. A CNN report states that President Joe Biden had not spoken with Putin in almost three years and that Barack Obama was the last US president to visit Russia in 2013.

The call was characterized by both leaders' willingness to "work together, very closely," claimed the post by President Trump. According to CNN, the Kremlin stated that the phone call lasted a total of 90 minutes. In his post, President Trump further described the call, saying he outlined plans with Putin to initiate negotiations and that he would end the phone call by immediately notifying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of their conversation.

The conversation between Trump and Putin signals a diplomatic thaw, marked by recent developments including a dramatic prisoner swap. According to NBC New York, the swap involved the release of American Marc Fogel, who had been detained in Russia, in exchange for Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik. The report clarifies that this move was seen as a step toward potential negotiations, with Trump noting Russia's cooperative demeanor.

Simultaneously, Trump's administration has clarified its stance on Ukraine's NATO membership. According to CNN, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remarked that Kyiv joining NATO is "unrealistic," shifting the focus back to bilateral and regional security measures. A separate CNN report states that Vice President JD Vance and several officials are scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference, where further discussions will ensue, including engagement with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The future of US-Russia relations and the Ukraine conflict could be defined by these initial talks. A peace agreement could entail conditions like American access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals as compensation for aiding Ukraine, notes CNN.

As negotiations unfold, the impact on transatlantic relationships and global power dynamics remains to be seen. This renewed dialogue marks a departure from former President Joe Biden's tactics, reflecting Trump's interest in tangible cooperation with Russia.