Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 12 February 2025, a phone conversation took place between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the leaders agreed to immediately commence negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Trump announced the call on his Truth Social platform, noting that he had also spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. These were Trump’s first contacts with Putin and Zelensky since returning to the White House.

During the conversation, the leaders discussed various issues, including the situation in the Middle East and matters related to artificial intelligence. An American negotiation team was formed, comprising key figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump expressed confidence that this initiative could swiftly bring an end to the war.

Trump advocated for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Putin, in turn, emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict and agreed with Trump that a long-term settlement could be achieved through peace talks. Putin also invited Trump to Moscow.

Additionally, Russia released American teacher Mark Folger, and in response, the U.S. agreed to release Russian national Alexander Vinnik.

Trump thanked Putin for the release and expressed hope for the swift return of three more detainees held in Belarus.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that for peace to be achieved, Ukraine would need to cede part of its territory and abandon its NATO aspirations. The rapid push for negotiations and the terms presented have sparked concern in Kyiv and among European allies, who fear that Washington may offer minimal resistance to Putin’s conditions. European leaders criticized their exclusion from U.S.-Russia discussions.

The Kremlin confirmed the talks, stressing the importance of addressing the fundamental causes of the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave conditional support to negotiations, emphasizing the need for a lasting peace.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares underscored that Ukraine must play a central role in any peace talks, reaffirming Europe’s unity and support in the process.

The Trump-Putin phone call marked a new phase in international efforts to end the war in Ukraine, though many details and conditions of the forthcoming negotiations remain unclear.