President Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin on the phone for about 40 minutes while he was meeting with Zelensky and European leaders at the White House, the White House chief of staff has confirmed.
Trump, through social media, says that "at the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin and began preparations for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky," he wrote.
"After this meeting, we will have a three-way meeting, which will be between the two presidents, plus me."
Trump also said that during today's talks, security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed, which according to him "will be provided by various European countries, in coordination with the United States of America."
Several international media outlets had earlier reported that the call had taken place, citing unnamed sources close to the talks.
Trump was not expected to speak to Putin until after his meetings with Zelensky and European leaders were over.