President Donald Trump took a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday.
According to an official press release from the White House, Trump and Putin spoke at length about the need for peace and a ceasefire in Russia’s war with Ukraine.
“Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace,” the readout of the conversation says. “They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.”
It goes on to state that the “conflict should never have started” and will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire.
“This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.”
Both Trump and Putin reportedly spoke about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts, and the need to stop the proliferation of strategic weapons. The leaders further said they would engage with others to “ensure the broadest possible application,” and agreed Iran should not be put in a position to destroy Israel.
The readout goes on to note both Trump and Putin have agreed that an improved bilateral relationship between the two nations has an upside, including economic benefits, and geopolitical stability “when peace has been achieved.”
Trump took to Truth Social to share the outcome of his talk with Putin.
“My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one,” Trump said. “We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine.”
Trump noted that the war would not have begun had he been president but said the process to peace is now in effect.
“This War would have never started if I were President!” Trump said. “Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!”
