Trump Anticipates Meeting Putin in Saudi Arabia Following…

President Trump reported a significant phone conversation with President Putin regarding the Ukraine war, expressing optimism about future peace talks. He designated a negotiation team and reached out to Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss the situation. Both leaders plan to meet, possibly in Saudi Arabia, amidst discussions on broader diplomatic relations.

In a recent social media announcement, President Donald Trump conveyed that he had a “lengthy and highly productive phone call” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussion centered on both leaders’ mutual interest in concluding the ongoing war in Ukraine and the possibility of arranging a face-to-face meeting, which Trump later elaborated on in comments made from the White House.

During his remarks on Truth Social, Trump indicated that he had appointed a team comprising Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador Steve Witkoff to spearhead negotiations aimed at achieving peace. He noted the importance of collaboration with Russia on broader issues and expressed optimism about future cooperation.

The Kremlin confirmed the dialogue, reporting that the call lasted an hour and a half, and revealed that Putin had extended an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow. This conversation marks the first interaction between the two since Trump’s inauguration a few weeks prior.

Regarding the anticipated meetings, Trump mentioned that both leaders plan to visit each other’s countries, suggesting that their initial meeting might occur in Saudi Arabia. He remarked that the two agreed on the necessity of starting negotiations swiftly and that informing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of their talks would be a priority.

Following his call with Putin, Trump reached out to Zelensky to update him on their discussion, stating that the exchange “went very well”. The dialogue focused on matters of warfare, peace initiatives, and a forthcoming meeting planned in Munich, led by high-ranking U.S. officials. Zelensky subsequently commented on social media, expressing Ukraine’s dedication to securing peace and collaboration with the United States to counter Russian aggression.

In a notable observation, it had been nearly three years since former President Joe Biden last communicated with Putin, underscoring the significance of Trump’s timely engagement. Furthermore, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remarked that the U.S. does not anticipate Ukraine becoming a NATO member, asserting that such aspirations are unrealistic and would only serve to prolong conflict.

Trump echoed this sentiment by expressing skepticism regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership, indicating he did not regard it as practical. These statements align with his assertion during the campaign that he could resolve the conflict within 24 hours of taking office and suggesting the war would not have started had he remained president.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Trump’s conversation with Putin occurred one day after the release of Marc Fogel, an American educator wrongfully detained in Russia, demonstrating the evolving diplomatic interactions. Trump extended his gratitude to Putin for Fogel’s release in his statements on Truth Social.

In summary, President Trump’s recent dialogue with President Putin focused on the urgent need to end the war in Ukraine and the potential for enhancing U.S.-Russia relations. He has appointed a negotiation team and reached out to Ukrainian President Zelensky to prepare for collaborative efforts in achieving peace. The conversations suggest a strategic approach to ongoing geopolitical challenges, with Trump advocating for realistic expectations regarding Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. Notably, this diplomatic engagement follows a prolonged period of limited communication between U.S. leaders and Russia, signaling a potential shift in international relations.

Original Source: www.forbes.com