US President Donald Trump shared that he contacted Russian President Putin during discussions with European leaders, mentioning he was positioned between Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky in an effort to resolve the conflict.
Throughout a day packed with crucial peace talks involving British leaders, the European Union, NATO, and Ukraine, Trump initiated a call to Moscow, coordinated a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, and ultimately organized a “Trilat” three-way discussion to facilitate a conclusive peace agreement.
Before Trump’s call on Monday afternoon, the Kremlin had not commented on the prospect of a direct meeting with Zelensky and opted to negotiate through the Trump administration instead.
However, Trump noted on a social media platform, “At the end of the meeting, I called President Putin and began arranging for the meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky at a location to be determined. After that meeting, we will all be together.”
He added, “This was a very positive early step in a war that has endured for nearly four years. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff are working with both Russia and Ukraine.”
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have attempted to promote a “quadrilateral” conference, which, as it stands, seems unlikely. Additionally, it appears Trump declined a request for a ceasefire from German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz prior to final discussions aimed at ending the conflict.
Regardless, the progress toward a potential peace agreement was received positively by European leaders. Finnish President Alexander Stubb commented, “In the last two weeks, we’ve likely made more progress towards ending this war than in the past three and a half years.”
While certain sticking points remain, particularly regarding territories and NATO membership, the US’s commitment to offering security assurances seems to have been a driving force in the negotiations.
Without delving too deeply into the specifics of US involvement in the peace process, Trump stated that “guarantees are being provided by various European nations in coordination with the United States.”
Trump also expressed optimism about reaching a deal soon, suggesting, “I don’t think it’s overly complicated. Right now, people are eager to get things done.”
He further stated, “I’ve known him for a long time. I’ve always had a solid relationship with him. Putin wants to find a solution too. In a short time, perhaps in one or two weeks, we’ll see if this gets resolved.”
He conveyed, “We’ll do our best to bring it to a close, and I believe both sides will be satisfied.”
