President Trump announced a new direction for U.S. policy towards Ukraine, following a phone call with Vladimir Putin where they agreed to negotiate an end to the conflict. Trump expressed confidence that both leaders desire peace and indicated a willingness to meet with Putin soon, possibly in Saudi Arabia. This move suggests a potential shift away from the Biden administration's stance that Ukraine should be a key participant in negotiations, which raised concerns about sidestepping Kyiv's authority. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy remained hopeful about the U.S. involvement despite the uncertainties.
Trump indicated that he and Putin want to see peace in Ukraine, stating: "I think President Putin wants peace and President Zelenskyy wants peace and I want peace."
Recounting the conversation, Trump expressed confidence in Putin's desire for peace: "People didn't really know what President Putin's thoughts were... he wants to see it ended also, so that's good."
On the potential for negotiations, Trump hinted that Washington may work with Moscow independently of Kyiv: "Trump's conversation... could signal that Washington and Moscow could work to hammer out a deal to end fighting in Ukraine by going around Kyiv."
Zelenskyy acknowledged Trump's outreach: "Trump had informed him of his conversation with Putin and that he appreciated the US president's genuine interest in our situation."
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