Leaders from the U.S. and Russia have consented to commence talks, whereas officials from Europe and Ukraine emphasize the importance of their participation.
On February 12, 2025, U.S. President
Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a 90-minute phone conversation, during which they agreed to initiate talks aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
After the call, President Trump declared that both countries would immediately set their teams to begin discussions, with the potential for mutual visits between the two leaders.
In a later dialogue, President Trump conversed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to deliberate on measures to cease Russian aggression and pave the way for enduring peace.
Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of Ukraine's involvement in any negotiations, insisting that no decisions regarding Ukraine should occur without its participation.
European leaders voiced their apprehensions about the possible exclusion of Ukraine and the European Union from the peace talks.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that any agreement reached without the input of European and Ukrainian representatives would be ineffective.
She also cautioned against making concessions to Russia prior to the commencement of talks, labeling such actions as appeasement.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain jointly issued a statement reiterating their support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
They emphasized that both Ukraine and Europe must be included in any negotiations, and that Kyiv should receive robust security assurances as part of any settlement.
The Kremlin welcomed Trump’s stance, noting it as a contrast to the approach taken by his predecessor,
Joe Biden.
Russian officials characterized the direct discussions with the U.S. as a significant advancement in diplomacy.
As negotiations progress, global leaders are attentively observing the situation's evolution and the potential repercussions of these talks on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.