Trump Confirms High-Level Talks with Moscow on Ukraine

President Trump declined to confirm direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

President Trump announced Friday at the White House that he anticipates significant developments following a conversation with President Putin, confirming ongoing serious discussions with Moscow. Since taking office last Monday, President Trump has repeatedly expressed his readiness for swift negotiations with Putin to resolve the Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin previously indicated it awaited clear signals from the Trump administration.

“We’ll be speaking, and I think we will, perhaps, do something that will be significant,” Trump stated Friday. “It’s just a senseless situation, and it’s got to stop. So whatever I can do to stop it… and we are having discussions, yes.”

When questioned about prior or scheduled communication with Putin, Trump responded, “I don’t want to say that.” He reiterated this refusal when pressed further.

“We’re having very serious discussions about that war, trying to get it ended,” he added, confirming these discussions are occurring “with Russia.”

On Monday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov reported that a presidential phone call wasn’t currently planned due to a lack of agreement or understanding. He noted current communication is limited to the embassy level.

President Trump has committed to negotiating a resolution to the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv, reportedly giving envoy Keith Kellogg 100 days to achieve a settlement. Last week, President Trump threatened new sanctions should Moscow reject an unspecified “deal,” while asserting he “is not looking to hurt Russia.”

Russia maintains that hostilities will cease only with Ukraine’s commitment to permanent neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification, along with recognition of current territorial “realities.” While open to negotiations, Russia insists any agreement must include “reliable, legally binding agreements eliminating the root causes of the conflict.”