US President Donald Trump has had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump has revealed details from the conversation, which he says was productive, as he reveals that with Putin, in addition to Ukraine, he discussed the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence and the strength of the US Dollar.
Trump says he and Putin reflected on the history of the two countries, especially the losses both countries suffered in World War II. He says he also discussed the great benefits the two countries would have if they one day cooperated.
Trump says he will call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to brief him on his discussions with Putin and adds that he has instructed his team to begin negotiations to stop the war in Ukraine.
Trump's plodding reaction after his conversation with Putin:
I just had a long and very 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 topics. 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 lost so many too! We each spoke about the strengths of our respective nations and the great benefit we will one day have working together. But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths that are happening in the War with Russia/Ukraine. President Putin even used my very strong campaign slogan, "Common sense."
We both believe in it very much. We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other's nations. We have also agreed that our respective teams will begin negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to brief him on the conversation, which I will do now. I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the negotiations, which I strongly believe will be successful.
Millions of people have died in a war that would not have happened if I were President, but it did, so it must end. No more lives must be lost! I want to thank President Putin for his time and effort in connection with this appeal and for the release, yesterday, of Marc Fogel, a wonderful man whom I personally greeted last night at the White House. I believe that this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, hopefully soon!