Washington, DC, USA, February 13 (ANI): US President Donald Trump spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Leavitt stated that the phone calls between Zelenskyy and Trump were "very positive" and reflected the US government's commitment to a "peace agreement" and bringing an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
According to Trump's statement, the US President and Ukraine's President discussed a meeting scheduled to take place in Munich on Friday, with US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the delegation.
Karoline Leavitt stated, "The President recently spoke to President Putin of Russia. They engaged in a lengthy conversation, and the president subsequently released a detailed statement regarding their discussion. I can also confirm that the President has just concluded a phone call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The President's account is as follows: 'I have just spoken with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, and our conversation was highly productive. Like President Putin, he expressed a desire for peace. We discussed a range of issues related to the conflict, primarily focusing on the meeting scheduled for this Friday in Munich, which will be led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.'
"I am optimistic that the outcome of that meeting will be favorable. It is time to bring an end to this senseless conflict that has resulted in tremendous and completely avoidable loss of life and devastation. God bless the people of Russia and Ukraine.' I myself spoke with the President regarding these conversations and he instructed me to convey to you that they were highly beneficial and very positive. The administration is fully committed to a peace agreement to put an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict once and for all," she added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also took to X to share details regarding his conversation with Trump. He appreciated Trump's genuine interest in shared opportunities and how they can work together to bring about peace.
I had a lengthy and in-depth conversation with President Trump. I appreciate his genuine interest in our shared opportunities and how we can work together to achieve real peace. We discussed various aspects—diplomatic, military, and economic—and President Trump shared with me what Putin had told him. We believe that America's power, coupled with Ukraine and all our allies, is sufficient to encourage Russia towards a peaceful resolution.
Prior to speaking with Zelenskyy, Trump had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that the call was productive, and he and Putin agreed to initiate immediate negotiations to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Besides Ukraine, the two leaders also talked about the Middle East, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and energy, among other issues. Trump stated that he and Putin agreed to have their respective teams initiate negotiations right away, starting with a call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to follow up on their conversation.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated that he has asked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the negotiations.
Trump described his conversation with Putin as "lengthy and productive", saying they talked about the strengths of both Russia and the US and the potential benefits of their future cooperation.
"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 other various topics. We both reflected on the rich history of our nations, and the fact that we fought side by side successfully in World War II, remembering that Russia suffered tens of millions of losses, as did we. We discussed the strengths of our respective nations, and the great benefits that can be achieved through cooperation. However, as we both agreed, our first priority is to bring an end to the devastating losses in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. President Putin even referenced my campaign slogan, 'COMMON SENSE.' We both strongly believe in its importance," Trump posted on Truth Social.
He further stated, "We agreed to work closely together, including visiting each other's countries. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by contacting President Zelenskyy of Ukraine to inform him of the conversation, which I will do now. I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the negotiations, which I believe will be successful. Millions of people have lost their lives in a war that wouldn't have occurred if I were in office, but it did happen, so it must end. No more lives should be lost."
US President Trump thanked Putin for his time and effort in the call and for the release of Marc Fogel. "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 I personally met last night at the White House. I believe this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, hopefully soon," Trump posted on Truth Social.