Trump Reports Calls with Putin and Zelenskyy, Expert Comments

Donald Trump reported having two significant phone conversations - first with Vladimir Putin and then with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Orda reports.

Regarding his call with Putin, Trump described having a "long and very productive" 90-minute call with Putin where they discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, and AI, emphasizing their shared World War II history and agreement on the need to stop the Ukraine conflict.

He announced immediate peace negotiations would begin, led by his appointed team including the CIA Director, Secretary of State, and National Security Advisor, while also noting Putin's use of Trump's "Common Sense" campaign slogan and mentioning they agreed to visit each other's countries.

Regarding his subsequent call with Zelenskyy, Trump confirmed having "a successful conversation" where both leaders expressed their desire to achieve peace, and mentioned an upcoming important meeting in Munich on February 14.

Zelenskyy also spoke about the call:

I just spoke with Donald Trump. About the possibility of achieving peace. About our readiness to work together at the team level. About our technological capabilities, our drones and other modern production. Trump informed me about the details of his conversation with Putin. Ukraine wants peace more than anyone. We are determining our common steps with the US to stop Russian aggression and guarantee reliable, lasting peace. As President Trump said, let's get it done.

Zelenskyy has previously stated he was willing to offer Russia a territorial exchange, i.e. part of the Kursk region under Ukraine control. The Kremlin was quick to reject the offer, however. 

Meanwhile, expert Tatiana Stanovaya a Senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center and founder and head of R.Politik remains skeptical.

She highlighted that the conversations appear to be the culmination of weeks of behind-the-scenes contacts between senior Russian and American officials, including both the presidential administration and security services.

While Trump's team aims for a ceasefire, the expert notes that key differences remain in both sides' ultimate objectives, with Russia reportedly seeking a fundamentally restructured relationship with Ukraine that would include military limitations and constitutional changes. 

Putin's approach has been notably accommodating toward Trump's initiatives, though the Kremlin appears to view any potential negotiations as one path among many toward their strategic goals in Ukraine.

Indeed, after meeting with journalists at the White House, Trump announced his upcoming meeting with Putin would take place in Saudi Arabia, adding that Ukraine's NATO membership was impractical and Kyiv's recovery of occupied territories was "unlikely." 

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth had also made a similar statement.

Hegseth said on Wednesday that Ukraine's desired return to pre-2014 borders and NATO membership are "unrealistic" goals that should be excluded from any future peace settlement, emphasizing President Trump's intent to end Russia's war "by diplomacy."

Before the above calls, Mike Pence, Vice President during Trump's first presidency, directed a statement at the U.S. President.

He warns of potential strategic consequences should the United States reduce its support for Ukraine.

The message references Trump's own assertion that "When America is Strong, the World is at Peace" while arguing that Ukraine would only "be Russian someday" if abandoned to Putin's invasion.