Trump Expects Meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia After Call on Ukraine War

President Donald Trump revealed that he had a productive call with Vladimir Putin concerning the Ukraine conflict, discussing the appointment of negotiators and potential meetings. Both leaders expressed a desire for cooperation, while uncertainty remains about Ukraine’s NATO membership. Trump also communicated with Ukrainian President Zelensky to inform him of the developments, reaffirming a commitment to resolving the conflict.

Former President Donald Trump announced a fruitful phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump suggested appointing Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead negotiations to conclude the war. He conveyed the intention to cooperate with Russia on various issues moving forward, emphasizing the potential benefits of collaboration between the two nations.

The Kremlin confirmed that the call lasted approximately an hour and a half, during which Putin extended an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow. Trump expressed anticipation for their future meetings, stating they might first meet in Saudi Arabia. He conveyed this in a post on Truth Social before later reiterating their mutual desire to meet with reporters in the Oval Office.

After the call with Putin, Trump informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about their discussions, asserting the necessity to initiate negotiations promptly. Zelensky confirmed the positive outcome of their conversation, highlighting their commitment to coordinating responses to halt Russian aggression and achieve lasting peace.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commented that the U.S. does not foresee Ukraine joining NATO, describing the notion of restoring Ukraine’s borders prior to 2014 as unrealistic and potentially exacerbating the conflict. Trump echoed this sentiment, stating from the Oval Office that NATO membership for Ukraine appears impractical.

Historically, Trump held a firm belief that the conflict could have been resolved swiftly had he remained in office. He criticized Putin for not averting the war’s escalation and threatened sanctions against Russia should the situation not improve. Additionally, it is worth noting that Trump expressed gratitude towards Putin for facilitating the release of Marc Fogel, an American wrongfully detained in Russia, just a day prior to the call with Putin.

In summary, President Trump reported a productive dialogue with President Putin about ending the Ukraine war and potential future meetings, with discussions centered on cooperation and negotiations. Trump’s outreach to Zelensky after the call further underscores his commitment to diplomacy. However, both leaders seem to share skepticism about Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. Trump’s past claims of being able to resolve the conflict rapidly remain a topic of discussion.

Original Source: www.forbes.com