US President Trump has confirmed a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the conversation as “long and very productive.” The leaders reportedly discussed a range of topics, including Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, artificial intelligence, the power of the dollar and other issues.
According to Trump, the two leaders agreed to work closely together, with visits to each other’s countries included in the plans. They also agreed to have their respective teams begin negotiations immediately, with Trump stating that he would soon call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to inform him of the conversation.
In a subsequent statement, Trump shared that Putin even referenced his campaign slogan, “the art of the deal” and that both leaders believe in the importance of understanding.
Trump also released a statement on his call with Zelenskyy, describing the conversation as positive and expressing hope for a successful meeting in Munich later this week, where US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the delegation.
Meanwhile, US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth has stated that he does not see a perspective for Ukraine’s NATO membership, citing the country’s pre-2014 borders as an unrealistic goal.
The last phone call between a US President and Putin was nearly three years ago and the last visit by a US President to Moscow took place in 2013, when Barack Obama attended a G20 summit.