U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced that he had a “very productive” telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a statement shared on his social media account, Trump said Putin congratulated him and the United States on achieving “peace in the Middle East,” describing it as a historic milestone.
Trump expressed optimism that the success in the Middle East could help pave the way for negotiations to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. According to him, Putin also thanked former First Lady Melania Trump for her humanitarian work with children and expressed hope that such efforts would continue.
The two leaders also discussed trade relations between Russia and the United States “when the war with Ukraine is over.” Trump stated that both sides agreed to hold a meeting of their “High Level Advisors” next week to advance peace efforts.
The U.S. delegation will reportedly be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside other designated officials. While the exact location of the talks has not yet been determined, Trump said he and Putin could later meet in Budapest, Hungary, to further negotiations aimed at ending what he called the “inglorious war.”
Trump added that he is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office to discuss his conversation with Putin and explore possible steps toward resolving the conflict.
“I believe great progress was made with today’s telephone conversation,” Trump concluded.
