U.S. President Donald Trump’s conciliatory tone toward Russian President Vladimir Putin following a phone conversation between the two leaders sparked alarm in Kyiv and throughout Europe, as Trump sought to end the war in Ukraine.
On Wednesday morning, Trump said negotiations to conclude the Ukraine war would commence “immediately” following a “lengthy and highly productive” telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s nations. We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy of Ukraine to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The details of Trump’s settlement plan are becoming increasingly apparent as the two leaders resume communication.
On Thursday, NATO heads will gather in Brussels before heading to Germany for the Munich Security Conference, setting the stage for a crucial few days as Europe tries to counteract the US’s increasingly isolationist policy.
As part of its efforts to radically alter American foreign policy toward Europe over the past few decades, the Trump administration has made this move.
On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the US will no longer prioritize the security of Europe and Ukraine, instead directing attention to its own borders and its fight for dominance with China.
