Trump Says Call With Putin Is Beginning of Ukraine Peace Negotiations

President Donald Trump has announced that he had a “very good conversation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it the beginning of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The call, which took place on Friday, comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries over the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

During the call, Trump and Putin reportedly discussed a wide range of issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the situation in Syria, and nuclear arms control. Trump described the call as “very positive,” and said that the two leaders had a “very good relationship.”

The White House released a statement following the call, saying that Trump had urged Putin to “work with Ukraine to implement the Minsk agreements,” which are aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The statement also said that Trump had emphasized the need for Russia to “rein in the violence in eastern Ukraine and fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements.”

The call between Trump and Putin comes as the conflict in eastern Ukraine has escalated in recent weeks, with reports of increased fighting and casualties on both sides. The conflict, which began in 2014, has claimed over 13,000 lives and displaced millions of people.

Many observers are cautiously optimistic about the potential for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, but some remain skeptical of Putin’s intentions. Critics of the Russian president point to his annexation of Crimea in 2014 and his support for separatist forces in eastern Ukraine as evidence of his aggressive intentions in the region.

However, Trump’s efforts to engage with Putin on the issue of Ukraine could signal a new approach to resolving the conflict. The two leaders have a history of working together on issues such as nuclear arms control and counterterrorism, and Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to improve relations with Russia.

It remains to be seen whether the call between Trump and Putin will lead to concrete progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. But for now, the announcement of the beginning of peace negotiations is a positive development in a conflict that has dragged on for far too long. Only time will tell if this new dialogue will lead to lasting peace in Ukraine.