Written by John Davis.
President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday that he had a long discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both leaders agreed to start immediate negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump took to Truth Social to share details of the conversation, emphasizing their commitment to working together. He mentioned plans for mutual visits and noted that both sides had already begun forming teams to handle negotiations.
Trump also stated that he would personally reach out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to inform him of the discussion. He appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to oversee the talks, expressing confidence in their success.
Trump’s Longtime Position on the Ukraine War
Since the war began in 2022, Trump has repeatedly claimed that the invasion would never have happened if he had been in office. He has consistently positioned himself as the leader who can bring peace to the region, making this latest announcement a fulfillment of one of his major campaign promises.
His recent discussion with Putin also touched on the long history between the U.S. and Russia. Trump highlighted their past cooperation, particularly during World War II, when both nations fought on the same side. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by both countries and used this historical context to stress the importance of working together again.
During the call, Putin even referenced Trump’s well-known campaign slogan, “COMMON SENSE,” reinforcing the idea that practical diplomacy should take precedence over prolonged conflict.
The Release of Marc Fogel
The announcement of peace negotiations coincided with the return of Marc Fogel, an American who had been imprisoned in Russia for carrying marijuana at a Russian airport in 2021. Trump credited diplomatic efforts for Fogel’s release and personally welcomed him back at the White House.
Trump’s national security advisor, Michael Waltz, confirmed that the U.S. and Russia had reached an agreement to secure Fogel’s return, but details on what the U.S. offered in return remain undisclosed.
In his social media post, Trump thanked Putin not only for the call but also for his role in securing Fogel’s freedom. He reiterated his belief that the war in Ukraine never should have happened in the first place but stated that since it did, it must come to an end as soon as possible to prevent further loss of life.
Our Take
While any effort to end a war should be taken seriously, the reality of these negotiations raises concerns. The idea that a single phone call between Trump and Putin could lead to a quick resolution seems overly optimistic. Russia has clear strategic goals in Ukraine, and a peace deal would require significant concessions from one side or the other.
Additionally, the timing of this announcement plays into Trump’s 2024 campaign narrative. His claim that he alone can bring peace is a powerful message to his base, but it remains to be seen whether these talks will actually lead to concrete results.
Finally, there’s the question of trust. Can Putin be relied upon to negotiate in good faith, or is this simply a strategic move on his part? While diplomacy is always preferable to war, the public should remain skeptical about the sudden optimism surrounding these talks.
