On February 12, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a 90-minute phone conversation, marking their first direct dialogue since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The leaders discussed various topics, with the primary focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
President Trump announced plans to initiate negotiations aimed at ending the war, instructing his national security team to commence talks immediately and to inform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of these developments.
In the aftermath of the call, European leaders, including Germany’s Olaf Scholz and France’s Emmanuel Macron, emphasized the necessity for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Critics have raised concerns that President Trump may have been influenced by President Putin, given the nature of the concessions discussed.
Subsequently, discussions have taken place regarding a potential meeting between Trump and Putin in Saudi Arabia to further these peace efforts. However, as of March 19, 2025, a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict has yet to be achieved.