U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to visit Russia and invite Vladimir Putin to the U.S.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on February 12, following his first official phone call with Putin since returning to office, Trump confirmed that both leaders are open to in-person meetings.
"We assume that he will come here, and I will go there [to Russia],” Trump told Politico.
Before such visits, however, the two presidents may first meet in Saudi Arabia, though no firm date has been set. Trump noted that their first face-to-face should happen "in the not too distant future.”
According to Trump, the lengthy and "very fruitful" conversation covered a range of issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, artificial intelligence, and the strength of the dollar.
Trump also revealed that both Moscow and Washington have agreed to immediately begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
However, Trump said Putin rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire, instead seeking a long-term resolution. "He wants peace now. He doesn't want this to end and then have fighting again in six months," Trump remarked.
Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and claimed that both Putin and Zelensky are eager to reach a peace deal. The White House has now tasked Secretary of State Mark Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff with leading the U.S. delegation in talks with Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, confirmed that Kyiv is also preparing for diplomatic discussions. Following Trump's call with Zelensky, Yermak said the parties agreed to begin work on achieving a "fair" resolution to the war.
