President Donald Trump announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the possible end of the Ukraine war. Both leaders have cultivated strong ties with the Kingdom.
They have agreed to commence negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. This decision follows a “lengthy and highly productive” phone call between the two leaders. While no specific date has been set, discussions are underway to finalize the details.
During their conversation, both Trump and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the leaders agreed to visit each other’s countries in the future. However, no official schedules or details have been confirmed at this time.
Engagement with Ukrainian leadership
In a related development, President Trump held a separate hour-long phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Zelenskyy’s office, the discussion was “meaningful,” with both parties expressing optimism about achieving peace.
I had a long and detailed conversation with President Trump. I appreciate his genuine interest in our shared opportunities and how we can bring about real peace together.
We discussed many aspects—diplomatic, military, and economic—and President Trump informed me about what… pic.twitter.com/flmigxqtbl
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 12, 2025
However, specifics regarding Ukraine’s involvement in the forthcoming negotiations remain unclear, raising concerns about Kyiv potentially being sidelined in the peace process.
International reactions and concerns
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from the international community. European Union allies have cautioned against excluding Ukraine from the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of Kyiv’s active participation to ensure a comprehensive and lasting resolution.
Security correspondent Frank Gardner noted that the conversation between Trump and Putin is a positive sign. However, he described today’s developments as a setback for both Ukraine and NATO, suggesting it could weaken their position in negotiations.
Shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a potential shift in U.S. policy, stating that restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is “unrealistic” and that NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely.
These comments reflect a departure from previous U.S. policy and have significant implications for the security dynamics in the region.
Recent prisoner exchange between U.S. and Russia
The announcement of peace talks comes on the heels of a notable prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia. Russia released Pennsylvania schoolteacher Marc Fogel in exchange for convicted Russian cybercriminal Alexander Vinnik.
President Trump suggested that this exchange could be a positive indicator for future U.S.-Russia relations.
Upcoming diplomatic engagements
Key U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming negotiations.
Further discussions are anticipated to take place at the Munich Security Conference, where global leaders will convene to address pressing international security issues.
The initiation of dialogue between the U.S. and Russia is seen by some as a promising step toward ending the conflict. The international community will be closely monitoring the forthcoming negotiations to assess their impact on the regional and global geopolitical landscape.