On Wednesday, President Trump took to his Truth Social account to describe a conversation he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a variety of topics. The president describes a wide-ranging discussion:
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I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects. We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations, and…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) February 12, 2025
The president’s post states in full:
I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects. We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations, and the fact that we fought so successfully together in World War II, remembering, that Russia lost tens of millions of people, and we, likewise, lost so many! We each talked about the strengths of our respective Nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together. But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine. President Putin even used my very strong Campaign motto of, “COMMON SENSE.” We both believe very strongly in it. 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. I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, to lead the negotiations which, I feel strongly, will be successful. Millions of people have died in a War that would not have happened if I were President, but it did happen, so it must end. No more lives should be lost! I want to thank President Putin for his time and effort with respect to this call, and for the release, yesterday, of Marc Fogel, a wonderful man that I personally greeted last night at the White House. I believe this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, hopefully soon!
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This comes on the heels of Russia releasing an American teacher, Marc Vogel, who had been a prisoner there.
See Related: BREAKING: Russia Blinks, Frees American Teacher Marc Fogel From Prison
HE’S HOME: Freed Political Prisoner Marc Fogel Meets President Trump at the White House
The key focus appears to have been on Ukraine, and the president implies that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other senior American officials will be included in future discussions. An agreement to begin negotiations to bring the conflict to an end would be a big step forward for both sides; billions have been spent in Ukraine, not to mention the lives lost and the property destroyed. President Trump, in the campaign, made ending the Ukraine conflict a priority, and this looks like a step in that direction.
Discussions with Russia on the Middle East would, presumably, include Russia’s support for Bashar Assad’s Syria (now collapsed) and their collaborations with Iran; it’s much less clear where any of those discussions will end up.
This is a developing story. We will be bringing you updates as events warrant.
