Trump, Putin Agree to Immediate Negotiations on Ukraine

On February 12, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had a 'lengthy and highly productive' conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to initiate negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump emphasized the humanitarian need to stop the conflict, which has resulted in significant loss of life, and indicated that he would inform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about their discussion. The Kremlin confirmed their commitment to pursuing a long-term solution through peace talks. Trump has tasked a team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to lead the negotiations, expressing optimism about their potential success. Meanwhile, UK Defence Secretary John Healey acknowledged the importance of ensuring Ukraine is in a strong position ahead of any peace discussions, while also highlighting the long process required for Ukraine's NATO membership. The developments signal a potential shift in diplomatic efforts regarding the Ukraine conflict, with both the U.S. and Russia seeking to address the situation more directly.