Trump and Putin discuss Ukraine, Middle East, in 'productive' call
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US President Donald Trump reveals he will hold a first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia.
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US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of a news conference in Helsinki (AP)
US President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday that he had a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, covering a broad range of topics including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, and artificial intelligence.
"I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
He added that he and Putin had agreed to have their respective teams initiate negotiations immediately regarding the Ukraine war and how to find a peaceful resolution.
The US President also stated that he would be reaching out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to inform him about the progress made in their discussion. "We will begin by calling President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now," Trump wrote.
In addition to Ukraine, the leaders discussed potential future visits to each other’s countries. Trump emphasized their commitment to fostering closer cooperation by working closely and visiting each other's nations.
"We'll meet in Saudi Arabia," he told reporters at the White House, hours after he announced the telephone conversation with the Russian leader.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that the phone call between Trump and Putin had concluded after nearly an hour and a half of talks, indicating the Ukraine war was central to the call, as well as the exchange of Russian and US citizens, the situation in the Middle East, and the Iranian nuclear program.
While Trump advocated for a quick cessation of hostilities and a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, Putin emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict.
Additionally, the two leaders delved into economic cooperation between their countries. Peskov confirmed that they also spoke about bilateral relations in the economic sphere, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue.
Putin also invited Trump to visit Moscow, with Peskov stating that the Russian President was ready to welcome US officials to Russia.
Trump also expressed gratitude to Putin for his time and efforts during the call, particularly acknowledging the recent release of American citizen Marc Fogel, who had been detained in Russia.
"I want to thank President Putin for his time and effort with respect to this call, and for the release, yesterday, 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.
He added that he was hopeful the discussions would lead to a successful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
After a call with Zelensky, Trump said, "The conversation went very well. He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE."
"I had a meaningful conversation with @POTUS. We... talked about opportunities to achieve peace, discussed our readiness to work together ...and Ukraine's technological capabilities... including drones and other advanced industries," Zelensky wrote on X.
