Trump Says Call With Putin Is Beginning of Ukraine Peace Negotiations

President Trump announced on Wednesday that he had a productive phone call with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, signaling the start of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

This conversation marked the first confirmed contact between the two leaders in Mr. Trump’s second term. Ending the conflict in Ukraine, which Russia initiated, has become a top priority for the Trump administration.

In a social media post, Mr. Trump mentioned discussing the strengths of their nations and the potential benefits of cooperation. The primary focus, however, was on halting the ongoing casualties resulting from the war between Russia and Ukraine.

For Mr. Putin, this call represented a significant development, signaling the failure of Western efforts to isolate him diplomatically following the Ukraine invasion. The Russian president has been vocal in his support for Mr. Trump, hoping for a shift in the Moscow-Washington relationship and reduced backing for Ukraine.

The phone call between the two presidents occurred after Russia agreed to release an American teacher in exchange for a convicted cybercriminal being returned to Russia by the United States.

Mr. Trump, who has long sought improved relations with Russia due to his nuclear war concerns, has previously met with Mr. Putin in Helsinki. During their first-term summit, Mr. Trump accepted Mr. Putin’s denial of election interference, contrary to U.S. intelligence findings.

Campaigning on a promise to resolve the Ukraine conflict quickly, Mr. Trump’s latest announcement indicates a commitment to working with Russia on a ceasefire. Concerns have been raised in Ukraine about being sidelined in peace negotiations between Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump.

Following his conversation with Mr. Trump, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine emphasized his involvement in the process, expressing readiness to collaborate with the U.S. to halt Russian aggression and achieve lasting peace.

Mr. Trump described his discussion with Mr. Zelensky as positive, noting their mutual desire for peace.

A meeting is scheduled in Munich, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the U.S. delegation. Details on Mr. Zelensky’s role in the negotiations initiated by Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin remain unclear.

During their lengthy call, Mr. Putin invited Mr. Trump to visit Moscow, indicating a shared commitment to cooperation between their countries. The Russian president emphasized addressing the root causes of the conflict in Ukraine, hinting at broader concessions to be sought before a ceasefire.

Ukraine appears to have limited leverage in the negotiation process, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth voiced doubts about restoring pre-2014 borders and Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations.

Mr. Trump reiterated his commitment to supporting Ukraine financially while acknowledging the leverage it provides in securing a deal. He dismissed concerns that Mr. Hegseth’s remarks could undermine negotiations with Russia.

Following his call with Mr. Trump, Mr. Zelensky outlined plans for continued U.S. support in exchange for access to Ukrainian resources and the development of a new document on security, economic cooperation, and resource partnership.

The United Nations expressed support for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, welcoming any efforts toward resolution.

Mr. Trump named key members of the U.S. negotiating team, including Senator Rubio and other officials, excluding retired General Keith Kellogg, who had advocated for tougher measures against Russia.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed General Kellogg’s ongoing role in the negotiation effort, despite his absence from the official team.

Mr. Trump has shared admiration for Mr. Putin but has also criticized Russia’s actions, emphasizing the importance of resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Reporting by Farnaz Fassihi, Julian E. Barnes, and Maria Varenikova.