Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he is ready for direct talks with Russia. However, he clarified that such discussions would only take place once Kyiv, along with the United States and Europe, reaches a common understanding on how to end the three-year-long war.
Zelensky further said, “We are prepared for any discussions with the United States and our allies. If they provide clear answers to our specific requests and share a common perception of the dangerous Putin, then we are ready to negotiate with Russia.”
Meanwhile, after a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that talks to end the Ukraine war would begin “immediately.” On Wednesday (February 12), Trump spoke with Putin for nearly an hour and a half over the phone.
Officials from the Trump administration have stated that the President has made it clear to his advisors that ending the Ukraine war quickly is one of his top priorities.
Following the phone call, Trump issued a statement on the Truth Social platform, saying, “We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, artificial intelligence, the power of the dollar, and various important issues. We have agreed to work closely together and are even open to visiting each other’s countries. Our teams will begin discussions immediately, and I will inform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about it.”
On the other hand, Trump’s recent phone conversation with Putin has raised deep concerns among Ukraine and its European allies. Ukrainian officials view such unilateral diplomatic actions by Trump as disregarding Ukraine’s interests.