Trump and Putin Agree to Immediate Negotiations on Ukraine

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he held a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they addressed critical global issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East, energy policy, artificial intelligence (AI), and the role of the U.S. dollar. Trump stated both leaders agreed to "halt the cycle of violence" in the Russia-Ukraine war and initiate urgent negotiations via dedicated teams, with plans to swiftly engage Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump emphasized the call centered on resolving the Ukrainian crisis, with mutual support for "ending the bloodshed." He confirmed specialized task forces would begin work immediately, calling the dialogue "highly productive" and expressing confidence in advancing diplomatic progress.

Invitation to Moscow:

Russian state news agency TASS reported that Putin extended an invitation to Trump for an official visit to Moscow. The Kremlin added that discussions also covered bolstering bilateral cooperation in energy and AI, alongside debates on the U.S. dollar’s global influence.

While no concrete timeline for the visit or negotiation specifics were disclosed, sources revealed outreach to Zelenskyy’s administration is expected imminently. The call occurs amid heightened global tensions over the protracted Ukraine conflict, sparking speculation about Washington’s potential role in brokering a diplomatic breakthrough.

Analysts are closely tracking these developments, particularly given the absence of an official White House response. This marks the first direct interaction between Trump and Putin since the Ukraine crisis escalated in 2022, raising questions about future U.S.-Russia dynamics.