Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he had a “lengthy and highly productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to “immediately” commence negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that both leaders had invited each other for visits to their respective countries. He also stated that he would be reaching out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “right now” to inform him of the discussion.
The Kremlin, in a separate statement, confirmed the call lasted an hour and a half, emphasizing that both leaders had concluded that “the time has come to work together.”
Putin reportedly told Trump that a “long-term settlement” to the Ukraine conflict was achievable and extended an invitation for the former U.S. president to visit Moscow.
The conversation follows a recent high-profile prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, which saw Moscow release American teacher Marc Fogel while Washington freed Russian cryptocurrency expert Alexander Vinnik.
Trump praised Putin in his Truth Social post, noting that the Russian leader “even used my very strong Campaign motto of, ‘Common sense.’”
He further stated, “We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations.”
Trump added that both sides had “agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately” and that he would be calling Zelensky “right now” to brief him on the discussion.
To lead the U.S. negotiating team, Trump said he had appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. “I feel strongly [the negotiations] will be successful,” he concluded.
