Ukraine War: Trump and Putin Announce Immediate Negotiations, Europe Reacts

A Lengthy Conversation Between Trump and Putin

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, February 12, via his social network Truth, that he had a “lengthy and very productive conversation” with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Their discussions covered several topics, including the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, artificial intelligence, and the strength of the U.S. dollar.

For his part, Vladimir Putin confirmed the hour-and-a-half exchange and reiterated his openness to a “long-term solution” regarding the Ukrainian conflict through “peace talks.” Donald Trump stated that both countries had agreed to work closely together and that their respective teams would “immediately begin negotiations.”

Diplomatic Contacts with Kyiv

Following his conversation with the Kremlin, Donald Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky stated that they discussed “possibilities for achieving peace” and that he was given details about Trump’s exchange with Putin. “No one wants peace more than Ukraine. Together with the United States, we are defining the next steps to end Russian aggression and ensure a lasting and reliable peace,” he said.

Donald Trump reinforced this message by writing, “The conversation went very well. He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE.”

Washington Calls on Europe to Take Responsibility

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a warning to European nations regarding support for Ukraine. Speaking at a meeting in Brussels, he stated that Europe must assume “the overwhelming share” of future aid to Kyiv. He also emphasized that the U.S. “will no longer tolerate an unbalanced relationship that encourages dependency.”

Furthermore, Pete Hegseth asserted that “the United States will not send troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement” and deemed it “unrealistic” for Ukraine to return to its pre-2014 borders.

Europe Warns Against Any Decision Without Ukraine

This diplomatic initiative between Washington and Moscow has drawn reactions from European leaders, who insist that no decisions regarding Ukraine can be made without Kyiv’s involvement and European participation.

“There will be no fair and lasting peace in Ukraine without European participation,” stated French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. His Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares Bueno, added, “We are talking about a sovereign country with a democratically elected government. Moreover, nothing related to European security can be decided without Europe.”

Tensions on the Ground: Mutual Accusations and the Arrest of a Spy

While diplomatic discussions intensify, the situation on the ground remains tense. Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of attacks near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. These clashes prevented the rotation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) personnel on Wednesday, a process that requires crossing the front line under the supervision of both armies.

Additionally, Kyiv announced the arrest of a suspected Russian spy. According to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), the suspect is a high-ranking official recruited by Russian intelligence in Vienna in 2018 for “ideological and financial” reasons. He remained inactive until December 2024, when he allegedly began transmitting information to Moscow.